Gunfight under way amid explosions in Kabul

International Desk: Gunmen launched an assault on the interior ministry in Afghanistan's capital after twin bomb explosions near the compound.

Two blasts went off outside the ministry in Kabul on Wednesday before assailants attempted to storm the building, triggering fierce clashes with security forces.

"Casualties are feared in the attack," Najib Danish, interior ministry spokesman, told Al Jazeera.

"The explosion happened very close to the building and the fighters were attempting to go inside. The battle is under way."

There were no immediate reports of casualties. No armed group claimed responsibility.

Al Jazeera's Jennifer Glasse, reporting from Kabul, said it was a complex attack as fighters attempted to enter the compound, which is heavily fortified.

"There are very high blast walls around the compound to be able to protect it from attacks. There are guards on 24 hours a day," she said.

Security around Kabul has been on high alert in recent days with more checkpoints and patrols as the government warned of attacks by the Taliban on government installations.

Both the Taliban and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have stepped up attacks on Kabul, making it the deadliest place in the country for civilians in recent months.

Last week the Taliban called on Kabul residents to "keep away" from military and intelligence centres in the city, saying the group plans more assaults as part of its annual spring offensive.
 

Source: Al-Jazeera
 

risingbd/Dhaka/May 30, 2018/A K Azad