Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
July 21, 2009

Suicide Attackers Hit Government, Military Buildings in 2 Afghan Cities
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=257A8F8:A6F02AD83191E16068E1C6E7CB5AB55BF47489ACC27D21EE&
 
Officials say group of gunmen, some disguised in women's robes known as
burqas, tried to storm local intelligence office, governor's office,
police compound in Gardez, capital of Paktia province in southeast 
Afghan soldier stands guard near burqa used by suicide attacker in
Gardez, 21 Jul 2009At least eight Taliban militants strapped with
explosives have attacked government and military buildings in two Afghan
cities, killing at least six security officers. Officials say a group of
gunmen, some disguised in women's robes known as burqas, tried to storm
the local intelligence office, the governor's office and a police
compound in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province in the southeast. Six
militants were reported killed in gunbattles with police. A Taliban
spokesman said 15 fighters were involved in that assault. In the eastern
city of Jalalabad, at least two militants were killed while trying to
attack a base for U.S. and Afghan forces. Afghanistan is experiencing a
surge of violence as Taliban forces battle a U.S.-led counter-offensive
aimed at shrinking insurgent safe havens and protecting civilians.
Efforts to secure the country for the August 20 presidential elections
have made July the deadliest month for foreign troops since the 2001
invasion. In other violence, an Afghan army official says 13 Taliban
fighters were killed and 12 wounded during an operation in northern
Kunduz province. Five Afghan soldiers also were killed during the
fighting. Also, 10 Taliban militants were killed while planting a
roadside bomb in southwestern Deh Yak. 

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.


.