At least 16 killed in Zurmat suicide attack

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): At least 16 people, including eight attackers, were killed and more than 10 others wounded in a coordinated attack on the Zurmat district headquarters in southern Paktia province on Monday, an official said.

Police spokesman Azimullah told Pajhwok Afghan News the insurgents detonated a car bomb at the entrance to the district office complex before engaging in a fierce gunbattle with police guards.

Kiftan Ikhlas, the district’s administrative chief, said the militants were exchanging fire with security forces after entering the district headquarters.

Sixteen people, including eight attackers, four security personnel and four government employees, were killed in the three-hour fight, he said, adding 10 others were injured in the attack.

The prosecutor’s office and buildings of a court and police headquarters were destroyed as result of the suicide attack. Resident Ahmadullah said the attack also damaged shops in the vicinity.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed responsibility for the attack and said Afghan forces had suffered heavy casualties. He confirmed the loss of eight attackers, saying the district headquarters had been destroyed.

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