Attackers were of Pakistani origin, claims MoI

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Interior (MoI) on Thursday blamed Urdu-speaking Pakistanis for a five-hour assault on the Kabul International Airport. The attack ended with the killing of the four attackers.

Siddique Siddiqui, the ministry spokesperson, told reporters said all four attackers were killed, but the security personnel suffered no casualties. The assault was successfully beaten back, he added.

During the past few months, he said, the Kabul International Airport had come under attack for a third time.  About two months back, the Taliban.

“Following the Karachi incident, certain circles — the Haqqani Network — had been trying to target the Kabul airport,” the spokesman alleged.

Deputy Interior Minister Gen. Ayub Salangi said: “Intelligence networks of neighbouring countries are behind the attack.”  Two rocket launchers, a machine gun, two Kalashnikov rifles and ammunitions were found at the scene.

Earlier, Salangi said the rebels forced their way into an under-construction building in Qasaba area from where they fired at the airport. He said security forces entered the building, clearing its fourth floor.

Defence Ministry spokesman Gen. Zahir Azimi explained the attack had caused no damage installations and equipment at the airport. But security officials said flights were delayed for a few hours in the wake of the brazen attack.

Eyewitness Abdul Qadir said a fierce fight was underway between militants and security forces, with both sides using heavy and light weapons. He heard several powerful explosions.

As usual, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with their spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying a group of fighters had stormed the airport, inflicting heavy casualties on security forces.

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