Taliban claim responsibility for intelligence chief attackDecember 6, 2012 - 17:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Taliban said on Thursday, Dec 6, that they carried out a "suicide" bombing attack in Kabul that wounded Afghanistan's intelligence chief, Reuters reported. Asadullah Khalid was wounded when the bomber struck at a guesthouse, Tolo television reported, and the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said he had survived a "terrorist attack". "Asadullah Khalid was the main target. A number of spies have been killed and wounded," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a statement. There were no immediate comments from officials on whether there were other casualties. The bombing highlights Afghanistan's numerous security challenges as U.S.-led NATO troops prepare to withdraw by the end of 2014. After more than 10 years of war against Western forces with superior firepower, militants are capable of striking in the heart of the capital. Afghanistan's parliament approved the nomination of Khalid as the new head of the NDS in September, an appointment that alarmed human rights groups who have long accused the agency of torturing detainees, allegations it denies. Khalid is a well-connected ethnic Pashtun and the influential former governor of the southern province of Kandahar, from where the Taliban draw most support. He is seen as tough on the Taliban. Human rights groups have been troubled by allegations that Khalid, a close aide of President Hamid Karzai, ran a torture prison while he was governor of Kandahar. He denies any wrongdoing. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | EU to provide budgetary support to Armenia The agreement is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia. Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. Azerbaijan proposes Armenia to jointly seek cancelation of Minak Group The Azerbaijani President maintained that the move will show “how sincere Armenia is.” Seven injured in massive gas station explosion in Armenia The Investigative Committee of Armenia has unveiled details about a massive explosion at a gas station on the Yerevan-Sevan highway. |