Thompson-Reuters correspondent Mirwais Harooni was among a group of reporters covering a press conference by Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai when explosions and gunfire sent them scrambling for shelter. Harooni live-tweeted the frightening experience.
First there was a gun firing and soon a heavy explosion. I'm now protecting a first grader from Amani High Schools, he's crying.
— Mirwais Harooni (@MHarooni) June 25, 2013
The attack is close to the crossroad where former Pre. Dr Najibullah and his bro was assassinated by Taliban.
— Mirwais Harooni (@MHarooni) June 25, 2013
Another explosion and smoke has covered us. We're around 20 reporters who had come to the palace to cover a Karzai's presser.
— Mirwais Harooni (@MHarooni) June 25, 2013
Now very few security forces are coming to Amani high school. Three more explosions and gun fire is on going.
— Mirwais Harooni (@MHarooni) June 25, 2013
Oh gr8! Per @gretawire explosion outside Presidential palace in Kabul…10to1 #Taliban responsible with whom we're negotiating? #PolicyFail
— Sheri Aden ⭐️⭐️⭐️?? (@huskerdiva) June 25, 2013
Journos keeping cover outside pres palace in Kabul pic.twitter.com/TScUGLgUSq
— Duncan Golestani (@DuncanGolestani) June 25, 2013
Photo where we're stuck. Explosions ahead. Tony the cameraman still filming #kabul pic.twitter.com/TLS9Lidas2
— Duncan Golestani (@DuncanGolestani) June 25, 2013
Kabul attack smoke rising near the Afghan Palace and heavy police deployment on the ground pic.twitter.com/U64alUqlZP
— Mustafa (@DVC_MSTF) June 25, 2013
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Uh oh. Harooni says forces have their eye on the CIA compound.
Now situation is I think under control. Sec forces told us to evacuate the area. Still forces have an eye on "CIA" compound.
— Mirwais Harooni (@MHarooni) June 25, 2013
Things seem to have settled down. Journalist Parwiz Shamal tweets that the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Update: #Taliban claims responsibility for today attack near #Afghanistan presidential palace
— Parwiz Shamal (@PShamal) June 25, 2013
So, the #Taliban can attack anywhere they want
— Parwiz Shamal (@PShamal) June 25, 2013
#AFG presidential palace and Kabul green zone is under attack, Where is save place in #Afghanistan?
— Parwiz Shamal (@PShamal) June 25, 2013
#Kabul attack update: Attack is over now, all attackers are killed. According to police, attackers had fake card pass.
— Mirwais Harooni (@MHarooni) June 25, 2013
Taliban claimed responsibility of the ongoing Kabul attack.
— AHMAD MUKHTAR (@AhMukhtar) June 25, 2013
Taliban targeted Afghan presidential palace 6 days after they opened an office in #Qatar. #AFG
— AHMAD MUKHTAR (@AhMukhtar) June 25, 2013
Photo: Today's #Kabul attack scene. #AFG pic.twitter.com/280obJ6N7Q
— AHMAD MUKHTAR (@AhMukhtar) June 25, 2013
#URGENT Police officials are saying suicide bombers were ridding in US type Surf vehicles and using fake ISAF badges with SIM cards #KabulAt
— Sharif Sahak (@sharifsahak) June 25, 2013
#Kabul police chief Gen, Salangi says that all the bombers are dead and the area is secured by police forces no word on causality no.
— Sharif Sahak (@sharifsahak) June 25, 2013
#KabulAttack security belt at the Kabul suicide bombing road blocked to CIA building, palace and defense ministry pic.twitter.com/ArDGf51d55
— Sharif Sahak (@sharifsahak) June 25, 2013
Update:
Reuters reports at least 2 security guards were killed.
2 Afghan security guards killed in Kabul battle; up to 5 attackers died as well. http://t.co/xlOHEIuZdn
— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) June 25, 2013
(Hat tip: @einfal)