British Council attacked in Kabul

Xinhua, August 19, 2011

British Council in Afghan capital Kabul came under militants' multiple attacks Friday morning and a forth blast was heard.

However, no more gun shots have been heard and British troops have arrived at the site of the incident, eye witnesses said.

Police have cordoned off the area and do not allow journalists to get access.

At around 5:30 local time (0100 GMT), first explosion was heard in Kartai Parwan area, a neighborhood close to Afghan vice president's house and Kabul Intercontinental Hotel.

Second explosion rocked the area at around 5:50 local time ( 0120 GMT) followed by gun shots.

Six people -- two police and four suicide bombers -- have been killed, a police officer at the site told Xinhua.

One of the attackers exploded his explosive-laden car and the second blew himself up, the officer added.

He also added that two more attackers were gunned down by security forces while two others are resisting.

One Afghan police and four foreigners have been injured, he added.

Meantime, Hashmat Stanikzai, the police spokesman in Kabul told Xinhua that the target of the attackers is British Council in Kartai Parwan area, adding that British Council helps Afghans learn English language.

He also said that the number of casualties would be made public after the situation was brought under control.

Meantime, Zabihullah Mujahid who claims to speak for the Taliban outfit in talks with media from unknown location claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying a group of militants equipped with car bombs, suicide vests and small arms have targeted a British guest house and inflicted huge casualties including Afghans and foreigners.