Taliban attack on restaurant in Afghan capital kills at least 21
Afghan police arrive at the scene of the attack in Kabul. Photograph: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty ImagesAfghan officials say about 21 people are dead following an attack in Kabul on a Lebanese restaurant frequented by foreigners, officials and business people.
An International Monetary Fund official as well as four United Nations personnel are among the dead.
Authorities say a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the restaurant Friday and that two gunmen entered the establishment and opened fire. The gunmen also were killed.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the incident.
The International Monetary Fund said its representative in Afghanistan, 60-year-old Lebanese national Wabel Abdallah, was killed.
IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde issued a statement saying, "This is tragic news, and we at the fund are all devastated."
A statement attributed to the spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Ban condemns in the strongest terms the horrific attack that left the four U.N. staffers dead. The statement said such targeted attacks against civilians are completely unacceptable, are in flagrant breach of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately.
A number of embassies and foreign organizations have offices in the area, and many Afghan officials live nearby.
Source: VOA and agencies
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