Kabul Police Station Attacked

The Los Angeles Times reports:

Three suicide bombers attacked a police compound in Kabul's old city Saturday, killing four police officers and five civilians before they were overcome by police.

The attack by militants disguised as Afghan soldiers -- a pattern that has become increasingly common -- started around 1:30 p.m. in a neighborhood dense with small vendors and shoppers. As the attackers approached the station, police reportedly noticed one acting suspiciously and shot him.

The second attacker then detonated his vest, killing nine people, including an intelligence officer, who happened to be standing near the entrance. The blast also wounded two policemen and 10 civilians.

strong><Taking advantage of the diversion, the third attacker then slipped into the compound and entered one of the buildings, where he battled police for over two hours before they managed to kill him.

"It was very crowded, so there could be more injured we don't know about," said Gen. Mohammad Zahir, chief criminal investigator with the Interior Ministry.

A text message identified as coming from Taliban spokesman Zabullah Mujahid and sent to reporters while the attack was underway claimed responsibility for the attack.