Kabul election HQ siege 'ends as attackers shot dead'

The siege Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission headquarters in Kabul has ended after all the insurgents were shot dead, security sources told NBC News. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the rocket attack.

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Afghan security: Taliban attackers 'have all been killed'

NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel, who is in the Afghan capital Kabul, wrote on Twitter:

Taliban claim responsibility for latest Kabul attack

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on the Independent Election Commission (IEC) in the Afghan capital Kabul.

Afghan policemen take position while smoke from a burning building billows in the background. Credit: AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus

This is the second attack launched against an IEC office this week, as the Islamist insurgency seeks to derail the April 5 election it claims is a "Western-backed sham".

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Fighting still 'ongoing' at Afghan election commission

Armed men have attacked the Afghan election commission with rockets and gunfire one week before the presidential elections begin.

Security personnel arrive at the scene to provide ground support. Credit: Reuters

One warehouse in the compound is currently on fire after it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, Associated Press reported.

Police Chief General Mohammad Zahir says the fighting is still 'ongoing'. Credit: Reuters

Police Chief General Mohammad Zahir said the group entered a building 800 metres (2,624 feet) from the Independent Election Commission, adding, "The fighting is still ongoing."

Blast and gunfire heard at Kabul Election Commission

Heavy security has been sent to the Independent Election Commission headquarters in Kabul as gunfire and blasts were reported around the building compound.

Read more: Afghan election commission 'under heavy rocket fire'

Afghan election commission 'under heavy rocket fire'

NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel reported from the Afghan capital Kabul:

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