Four heavily armed insurgents attacked the Indian consulate in western Afghanistan’s main city near the border with Iran on Friday, wounding at least two policemen, officials said.
The attack underscored a worrying security picture as Afghanistan prepares to take over from foreign combat troops after 12 years of war and prepares for a presidential election run-off next month.
Herat police chief General Samihullah Qatra told Reuters at least one suicide bomber was shot by police and three were still fighting.
“Four Taliban have entered residential houses close to the consulate, shooting towards the Indian consulate compound,” Qatra said.
“Police have already evacuated civilians from houses and now fighting is ongoing,” he said.
It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack and no claims of responsibility have been made so far, although the Taliban often carry out such attacks on Afghan and international targets around the country.
The attack began before dawn and was still going several hours later, officials said. – REUTERS
