Taliban militants storm Kandahar airport, clash with Afghan security forces

Описание: breaking from afghanistan
Taliban militants attacked the airport in Kandahar, Afghanistan’s second largest city, late on Tuesday. Ongoing fighting between suicide bombers and security forces has been reported.
"Several insurgents have taken up position inside a school and are firing at the airport," said Sameem Khpalwak, a spokesman for the local governor, as quoted by Reuters. He added that there have been no reports of casualties.

Meanwhile, local news agency Pajhwok reported that Taliban fighters have forced their way into the airport, adding that clashes are continuing.

At least three attackers entered the airport from its fifth gate at 6:30pm local time, anonymous sources told local TV channel TOLOnews. They added that the gate was supposed to be under tight security and no one can enter without showing an ID card.

Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, confirmed the ongoing clashes, according to Reuters.

Flights at the airport have been delayed, TOLOnews reported.

Earlier on Tuesday, Taliban militants attacked a police station in Kandahar, injuring two policemen. As a result of the assault two militants were killed, according to Pajhwok.

In the past several months the security situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated. Taliban insurgents waging war with the Afghan government have recently stepped up their offensive on large cities.

In September Taliban militants briefly seized Kunduz, the country’s fifth largest city, which is located in the northern part of Afghanistan and has a population of about 300,000 people.