Attack on Afghan Parliament Ends with the Death of 'Seven Attackers'

On Monday, July 1, western Kabul witnessed a heavy explosion and several gunshots in front of the Afghan Parliament building, which ended with the death of seven attackers. Sediq Sediqi, spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Interior, stated in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Afghan section that 'the conflict in front of the National Assembly building has ended,' adding that 'seven attackers who attempted to enter the National Assembly building were neutralized by Afghan forces.' Mr. Sediqi further mentioned that no harm was done to the members of the National Assembly (parliament) or Afghan government forces. However, Reuters reported that '19 people' were injured as a result of the clashes. According to Abdullah Karimi, spokesman for the Kabul police, the cause of the explosions was a suicide bomber affiliated with the Taliban, whose attack, along with several armed individuals, caused parliament members to flee the building. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, confirmed in a phone call that 'the Taliban is responsible for this attack,' stating, 'We attacked the parliament when an important gathering was being held to introduce the Minister of Defense.' Shukria Barakzai, a member of the Afghan parliament, told the media, 'It was a massive explosion that shook the building and broke the windows. We are now in a safe place.' This attack comes as the Taliban has successfully captured two districts in northern Afghanistan over the past two days. Reports indicate that the Taliban has taken control of the Dasht-e Archi district in Kunduz province, and hundreds of them have managed to reach the village of Chahar Dara, the center of the Chahar Dara district in Kunduz during clashes with government forces. The Taliban, which had previously announced a wave of new attacks in the spring, continues to regroup and attempt to regain control of various areas, 13 years after their ousting by a U.S. military intervention.