Rocket attack hits Kabul on Afghanistan independence day

At least 10 civilians, including four children, have been injured in the Afghan capital of Kabul in an attack with 14 rockets against the city’s heavily-fortified green zone as the country marked its 101^st independence anniversary.

The rockets were launched from two vehicles in the northern and eastern parts of the capital on Tuesday, Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said.

“Most of the mortar shells hit residential houses in Kabul,” Arian said. “Unfortunately, 10 civilians, including four children and one woman, have been wounded.”

He said two suspects had been detained and investigations into the incident remained ongoing.

Witnesses, meanwhile, said that some of the rockets struck near the presidential palace and the Defense Ministry after the country’s President Ashraf Ghani took part in an independence day event at the palace.

Other eyewitnesses cited by press agencies further said at least one mortar shell had landed in the affluent Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood, where numerous diplomats and senior government officials reside.

Afghan government announces release of 80 from final 400 Taliban prisoners

The Afghan government says it has begun releasing the final batch of Taliban prisoners in an effort to pave the way for peace talks with the militant group.

Although no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, it took place a day after the government declared its refusal to release the last 320 Taliban prisoners that it holds until the militants — who have signed a “peace” deal with the United States — free more captive Afghan soldiers.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid expressed unawareness about the mortar attack in Kabul.

The Daesh terrorist group has interrupted national celebrations in Afghanistan in the past with rocket fire.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk