Six UN staff killed in Kabul attack

• Source: Global Times
• [14:11 October 28 2009]
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Six UN staff members were killed during a gun battle in central Kabul Wednesday morning.

Adrian Edwards, a UN spokesman said the staff were in a guesthouse, used by UN and other international organizations. It was unclear whether they were the target of the attack or not.

The Afghan Interior Ministry confirmed an assault in central Kabul, but offered no more details. A number of streets were cordoned off by Afghan soldiers and police.

The firefight took place in the vicinity of a number a government buildings, which is relatively more secure than other sections of the capital.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes 10 days ahead of Afghan presidential runoff due to November 7.

Last week the Taliban had threatened to target anyone working on the Afghan run-off presidential election between incumbent Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah. The UN is playing a leading role in organizing the polls.