The security officials confirm that a standoff is underway between the armed forces and gunmen who stormed the compound of an international organization in Kabul city.
Photos circulating on social media show thick plume of smoke rising from the site of the incident in Shahr-e-Naw area where militants initially detonated explosives to make their way inside the compound of the foreign air organization.
Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the explosion has taken place close to Counterpart International Non-governmental Organization which is located behind the Attorney General’s Office.
Rahimi further added that the security forces have so far cleared 2 floors of the 4-story building and around 80 employees of the organization have been rescued.
He also added that operations are carefully being conducted to eliminate the remaining assailants.
Rahimi had earlier said a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device left by the militants was also found in the area which would be detonated in a controlled explosion.
The Taliban group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
