AFGHANISTAN: Afghan president Hamid Karzai escaped unhurt yesterday from an assassination attempt by Taliban fighters who fired guns and rockets at a celebration near the presidential palace in Kabul.
Mr Karzai, government ministers, former warlords, diplomats and military leaders ducked for cover after gunfire sounded at the event to mark the 16th anniversary of the fall of the Afghan communist government to the mujahideen.
Mr Karzai later addressed the nation on state television. "Today, the enemies of Afghanistan, the enemies of Afghanistan's security and progress tried to disrupt the ceremony and cause disorder and terror," he said. Three people were killed - a parliamentarian, the head of a minority group and a 10-year-old child - and 10 were wounded, officials said.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack and said three of its fighters were killed.
All cabinet members and foreign diplomats at the parade along with Gen Dan McNeill, US commander of international forces in Afghanistan, were safe and well, spokesmen said. "Nato will continue to support the Afghan government and people in defending their security and their democracy," said secretary-general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. "Three of our attackers have been killed and three managed to escape," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. "Afghan and Nato authorities this year repeatedly said the Taliban are on the verge of annihilation . . . Now it has been proved to them the Taliban not only have the ability to operate in the provinces, but even in Kabul."
Mr Karzai has survived several assassination attempts since he came to power after US-led and Afghan forces toppled the Taliban in late 2001 for failing to hand over al-Qaeda leaders behind the September 11th attacks on the US.
But Taliban insurgents re- grouped and now fight daily battles with Afghan and foreign troops. They have launched scores of suicide attacks.
US-led forces killed several militants on Saturday in a raid northeast of Kabul, targeting a man involved in bomb attacks who was planning to disrupt ceremonies yesterday. Several civilians were wounded in the ensuing battle.
Mr Karzai has repeatedly offered to hold peace talks with the Taliban, but the Islamist militants have said they will fight until they topple him and drive out the 50,000 foreign troops in Afghanistan.
- (Reuters)