Taliban militants have attacked the Afghan Parliament in Kabul, forcing members of parliament (MPs) to evacuate.
The attack took place after a group of Taliban militants stormed the building of the lower house of Afghan parliament (Wolesi Jirga) on Monday morning, reported Pajhwok news agency. Eyewitnesses close to the building said a car bomb exploded at the gate of the parliament compound, leaving several people injured.
"A suicide bomber blew himself up just outside the parliament building and several fighters took positions in a building close to parliament," said a Kabul Police spokesman said, according to DW. Following the explosions Taliban gunmen forcefully entered the parliament building, police officials said.
Kabul Police, however, said all armed gunmen were killed by security forces following an operation to end the parliament siege, reported Khama Press. At least 24 people including women, children were wounded in the attack.
The seven gunmen who attacked the parliament are dead, the Ministry of Interior confirmed. "The attack has ended now. Seven attackers were involved - one detonated a car near the parliament building and six were killed by security forces after they entered a nearby building," said Najib Danish, a spokesman from Interior Ministr, according to AFP.
Taliban have claimed the responsibility for the attack. "We have launched an attack on parliament as there was an important gathering to introduce the country's defence minister," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahi told Reuters by phone.
The Afghan parliament siege took place when country's second Vice President Sarwar Danish was introducing Defence Minister nominee Massoum Stanekzai to members of Wolesi Jirga.
