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                Taliban Suicide Bombers Target Afghan Courthouse

   by Ayaz Gul

   A group of Taliban suicide bombers armed with automatic weapons and
   dressed in military uniforms stormed a courthouse in northern
   Afghanistan Thursday, killing at least five people and wounding up to
   30 others.

   Afghan security forces surrounded the complex shortly after the assault
   began in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province.  Local
   officials say an intense exchange of gunfire is under way.'

   The head of the main hospital in the city, Khuja Noor Mohammad Faiz,
   says they have received five bodies and are treating 25 people
   wounded.  Some Afghan media outlets have put the death toll at 10.

   Afghan Interior Ministry in a brief initial statement said three of the
   five bombers have been killed by security forces.

   Witnesses saw Taliban insurgents forcing their way into the crowded
   court house by throwing grenades at the front gate and firing
   indiscriminately.

   Local police say security personnel, visitors, prosecutors and court
   staff were among those wounded.  Ambulances were seen transporting
   victims to hospitals.

   A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the assault.

   Hours earlier, police reported a bomb blast in the eastern Khost
   province that wounded around a dozen people, mostly civilians.

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   -courthouse/2712491.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/taliban-suicide-bombers-target-afghan-courthouse/2712491.html