Taliban Claims Kabul Attacks

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on the ministry of justice today and said it was carried out by a group of "Taliban commandoes." The Internet statement issued by Taliban spokesman "Zabihullah Mujahid" said "five martyrdom-seekers from the 'Hamza' commandoes unit, armed with light and heavy weapons stormed the ministry of justice building near the presidential palace and opened fire on guards and ministry staff."

The communiqué also reported that two suicide bombers have attacked the Ministry's General prison directorate in a separate attack. It identified the attackers as "Abdullah" and "Annas."

Mujahid said the attacks came in response to the execution of dozens of Talibani militants jailed at Kabul 's Pul-e-Charkhi prison and vowed more attacks to avenge the massacre of those "martyrs."

According to reports, the attacks on three government buildings in the Afghani capital Kabul have left 27 people, including eight attackers, dead.