Wednesday
Oct282009
Afghanistan: Attack on UN Guest House Kills 12
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 8:09
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The Taliban have claimed this morning's attack on a guest house used by United Nations staff in the centre of Kabul. The UN says six staff were killed, while police report three attackers and three Afghan security personnel died in a firefight that lasted several hours. The attack on the guesthouse was in a high-security zone near several heavily-guarded government buildings.
One of Kabul's most prestigious hotels, The Serena, was hit by mortar fire. The hotel is a favourite residence for diplomats and Western journalists. No casualties were reported in the attack, although guests were evacuated to the basement.
While it is too early to judge the effect --- symbolic and political --- of this morning's attack, it brings back uncomfortable memories of an Iraqi insurgent attack in August 2003 on the central UN headquarters in Baghdad, while killed more than 20 people including the UN's special envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello. The UN withdrew all operations soon after the bombing, which marked the transition from post-Saddam "liberation" into protracted conflict.
Video and Transcript: Obama “I Will Never Rush” on Afghanistan (26 October)
Receive our latest updates by email or RSS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED
Buy Us A Cup of Coffee? Help Enduring America Expand Its Coverage and Analysis
The Taliban have claimed this morning's attack on a guest house used by United Nations staff in the centre of Kabul. The UN says six staff were killed, while police report three attackers and three Afghan security personnel died in a firefight that lasted several hours. The attack on the guesthouse was in a high-security zone near several heavily-guarded government buildings.One of Kabul's most prestigious hotels, The Serena, was hit by mortar fire. The hotel is a favourite residence for diplomats and Western journalists. No casualties were reported in the attack, although guests were evacuated to the basement.
While it is too early to judge the effect --- symbolic and political --- of this morning's attack, it brings back uncomfortable memories of an Iraqi insurgent attack in August 2003 on the central UN headquarters in Baghdad, while killed more than 20 people including the UN's special envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello. The UN withdrew all operations soon after the bombing, which marked the transition from post-Saddam "liberation" into protracted conflict.