Taliban suicide bombers strike live on TV as Afghan Parliament hit

Dramatic footage has emerged of a Taliban suicide attack on the Afghan parliament that resulted in six gunmen dying as politicians were meeting to appoint a new defence minister. Live TV pictures inside the building in Kabul show politicians engulfed in dust and smoke as two explosions shatter windows. The speaker sits calmly continuing his speech as members of parliament leave the building. Officials said 31 civilians were injured in the attack, including two young children. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said it began with a suicide car bomber striking the entrance to the compound.

We launched an attack on parliament as there was an important gathering to introduce the country’s defence minister,

Taliban statement

Six gunmen then tried to storm parliament, but were pushed back by security forces. They fled to a nearby building, and were killed after a two-hour gun battle. Black smoke billowed from the entrance to parliament as ambulances raced to the scene. It is thought most of the injuries were caused by flying glass. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the bloodshed.

It was a huge blast that shook the building and shattered windows.

Lawmaker Shukria Barekzai said of the explosion.

Middle East Taliban attack