Afghanistan detain 30 militant involved in recent Kabul attacks

The National Directorate of security (NDS) – Afghanistan’s intelligence agency has detained 30 key members of Haqqani terrorist network and Peshawar Shura of Taliban during special operations.

A statement issued by NDS states that these terrorists were involved in recent deadly attacks in Kabul. These attacks left hundreds of people killed and wounded, Khaama News Agency reported on Monday.

The statement further states that these people were planning more attacks in Kabul but NDS personnel detained them before they could implement their intentions.

According to NDS statement these terrorists were working on carrying out 13 more attacks in Kabul to target the Presidential Palace, NDS compound in Shash Darak area, Ministry of Defense, US Embassy, police headquarters, Parliament House and Khatam-un-Nabiyeen University.

There's been a clear pattern to the Taliban attacks of the past two weeks in the capital. Most have targeted foreigners, military or civilian, whenever and wherever possible.

At first it was the big, heavily fortified compounds on the Jalalabad road where many foreigners live and work, which came under attack. But the militants failed to get inside.

More recently the suicide bombers and gunmen have gone after softer targets, such as the aid agency building which was stormed on Saturday evening leaving three South Africans dead. It had very little protection.

With many Afghans also killed and injured in this spate of attacks, there is an uneasy atmosphere in the capital with people wondering who or what will be targeted next.

It is a set-back for President Ghani who has promised to restore peace to the country. It is also embarrassing for the police, military and intelligence agencies which seem incapable of disrupting the plans of the Taliban suicide bombers.

For now, it's the capital's police chief who seems to have paid the price for this security failure, but there must be other senior officials who bear responsibility.
Source: MENA