Gunmen kill nearly 30 people in brazen attack in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan – Gunmen armed with assault rifles and explosives stormed a government building in the Afghan capital Monday, killing 29 people, wounding more than 20 and terrorizing hundreds in a brazen, eight-hour long assault that ended with the death of the attackers, authorities said.

The toll could rise as police continue to search the smoldering building, Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

The attack began when a suicide bomber blew up his explosives-laden car in front of the multi-story building that houses a public welfare department in an eastern neighborhood of Kabul, Danish said. Minutes later, three gunmen entered the building and rampaged through the office complex hunting for victims. Some employees managed to barricade themselves inside offices while police quickly evacuated 357 people, officials said.

Witnesses reported hearing at least five explosions as police and gunmen traded fire. One officer died and three were wounded.

Police cordoned of the area as they tried to secure the building, but Danish said the operation was painstakingly slow as officers moved carefully from room to room and floor to floor.

Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said authorities received at least one telephone call from inside the building, but frightened employees were unable to provide any details.

No one claimed responsibility, but both the Taliban and the local Islamic State affiliate have carried out brazen daytime attacks in the capital.

The building is in area that includes several apartment buildings as well Afghanistan’s department for public works.

The attack came two days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of half of the 14,000 American troops and just hours after Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was in Kabul to discuss a negotiated end to Afghanistan’s 17-year war. Qureshi, who then continued his trip to Iran, condemned the attack.

Pakistan helped orchestrate last week’s peace talks in the United Arab Emirates, where representatives from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Pakistan and the United States met with the Taliban.