Kabul Attack - Updated

About 6 AM local time the Taliban attacked foreign workers in Kabul, Afghanistan. Initial reports indicate that there are 18 dead. What follows are reports from the scene by bloggers and news reports. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said Friday that five suicide bombers conducted the attacks on two buildings used by foreigners.

President Hamid Karzai is indicating that the attack was directed towards Indian's staying in Kabul.

The Taliban has long opposed India's involvement in the country and its ties to the Northern Alliance that helped the U.S. oust the Taliban regime in 2001 and formed the backbone of the Karzai's government.
India's foreign minister said up to nine Indians were killed, including government officials. An Italian diplomat and a French filmmaker were also among the dead. Three Afghan police were killed, and six more officers were among the 38 people wounded, the Afghan government said.

The four-hour assault began about 6:30 a.m. with a car bombing that is reported to have leveled a residential hotel used by Indian doctors.


Reports:

P.J. Tobia: Multiple Explosions Rock Kabul - A complex attack is being mounted on the capital this morning, starting two hours ago at around 6 am local. The initial explosion appears to have been set off in the City Center part of town, about three blocks from Afghan Desk HQ. People in the area say that the attack was on the Safi Landmark Hotel and judging by the location of the smoke, this seems about right. (READ MORE)

Katherine Tiedemann: Daily brief: coordinated Taliban attacks leave 18 dead in Afghan capital - After more than a month of calm and on the morning of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, several Taliban suicide bombers in cars and on foot targeted two buildings in the Afghan capital often used by foreign visitors, killing as many as 18 people including an Italian, a Frenchman, ten Indians, and a Pakistani. (READ MORE)

News:

Four Indians among 15 dead as Taliban bombers storm Kabul

Taliban bombers attack Kabul hotels, kill at least 15

17 dead in Afghanistan suicide attacks

17 killed in Kabul suicide blasts

Deadly Explosions Rock Afghan Capital

Militants Kill At Least 16 In Attack On Central Kabul

Suicide Bombers Kill Many in Afghanistan Capital Attack

Taliban Claims Responsibility for Attacks

Afghan capital rocked by deadly blasts

Blast Rocks a Prominent Hotel in Afghan Capital

Brazen Attack Kills 17 in Afghan Capital