UNDER SIEGE

Taliban Gunmen Storm Afghan Parliament

Six fighters dead, 18 civilians injured.

Taliban fighters detonated a huge car bomb and stormed Afghanistan’s main parliament complex early Monday, in an attack that left all six gunmen dead. Local media reported that at least six explosions were heard near the parliament building, which began with a suicide attack at the entrance. Health Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ismail Kahousi said 18 civilians were wounded. All lawmakers were safe, according to police chief Gen. Abdul Rahman Rahimi. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out to coincide with a vote to endorse a new defense minister. The gunmen reportedly attempted to enter the main chamber, but were held off by security forces and eventually retreated to a building under construction.