INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A series of deadly attacks in Kabul this year have killed hundreds
(File)Kabul, Afghanistan: A car bomb exploded near Afghanistan's interior ministry in Kabul on Wednesday and
then gunmen exchanged fire with members of the security forces, police said, in what appeared to be the latest in a series of terror attacks
in the capital.There was no immediate word on casualties, nor was there any claim of responsibility.Two loud explosions and gunfire were
heard coming from the vicinity of the ministry compound and police officials inside said they believed it was a terror attack
A senior police official said a car bomb was detonated near the ministry's entrance and then a gun battle between attackers and members of
the security forces broke out.A series of deadly attacks in Kabul this year have killed and wounded hundreds of people.Security in and
around Kabul has been on high alert in recent days with more checkpoints and patrols as the government warned of "complex attacks" by the
Taliban on the government or foreign installations in coming weeks.Provincial cities have also been hit as the Taliban, seeking to reimpose
hardline Islamic rule, have stepped up fighting across the country since they announced the beginning of their annual spring offensive in
April.The latest violence coincided with a US government report that found few signs of progress in Afghanistan this year, with fighting
spreading and hundreds of casualties from militant attacks.Security officials say violence is expected to pick up as preparations continue
for parliamentary elections scheduled for October.© Thomson Reuters 2018
