Taliban rockets hit U.S. embassy compound in KabulDecember 25, 2013 - 14:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two Taliban rockets landed inside the U.S. embassy compound in Kabul early on Wednesday, causing no casualties but underlining Afghanistan's continuing security problems as many foreigners in the capital marked Christmas Day, AFP reports. Taliban militants, who have been fighting the U.S.-backed government since being ousted from power in 2001, claimed responsibility for the attack, which included at least one other strike in the city. Rocket attacks in Kabul have been rare in recent years, but the insurgents have vowed to step up pressure on the U.S. and Afghan authorities before next year's presidential election in April and the withdrawal of U.S.-led NATO combat forces. "At approximately 6:40 local time in Kabul, approximately two rounds of indirect fire impacted the U.S. Embassy compound," a statement from the embassy said. "All Americans are accounted for and no injuries were sustained. The Embassy continues to investigate the attack." The mortar rockets sent U.S. diplomats rushing for shelter as the heavily-fortified embassy in the city centre sounded its emergency sirens and loudspeakers broadcast a "duck and cover" alarm warning. Another rocket landed near a hill where former kings and members of the old royal family are buried in a large mausoleum, a spokesman for the National Directorate of Security told AFP. "One impacted near Maranjan hill, about one mile (1.6 kilometers) from the presidential palace. There are no reported casualties," Lutfullah Mashal said. In a text message to AFP, the Taliban claimed the rockets caused heavy casualties, but the insurgents regularly make exaggerated claims after attacks. "Today at around 6am four rockets were fired at the U.S. embassy in Kabul. All hit the target (causing) heavy casualties," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in the message. Previous Taliban mortar attacks on Kabul have lacked accuracy, and the Christmas Day attacks will raise concerns that the militants have improved their ability to launch and direct the rockets Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |