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Taliban Spring Offensive Launched, Claim Afghan Officials

Ayesha Tanzeem

   ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN - A car bomb attack on an intelligence base in
   central Ghazni province in Afghanistan early Monday morning killed at
   least seven members of the security forces and wounded 40 others.

   Dr. Baser Ramaki, head of the Ghazni provincial hospital that received
   both the bodies and the wounded, confirmed the number to VOA.
   Provincial officials say the number of casualties may increase.

   Tariq Aryan, a spokesman for the ministry of interior confirmed the
   attack. Ahmad Khan Serat, a spokesman for Ghazni provincial police
   headquarters told VOA the bomb targeted the 703 contingent of the
   National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan's intelligence agency.

   An Islamic culture center was located near the site of the attack,
   Serat added.

   Locals living near the site complained of damage to their houses
   including shattered glass.

   Taking responsibility for the attack, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah
   Mujahid said in a statement the attack was in response to the enemy
   declaring war as well as attacks on civilians in areas under Taliban
   control.

   He named the suicide bomber as Zayd Kandahari and said the attacker
   used a Humvee.

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