Siege ends near India's Afghan consulate

In Afghanistan, special forces killed a group of attackers inside a house in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, bringing to an end a 24-hour siege following the attack on the nearby Indian consulate. The soldiers killed the four attackers who had shut themselves in a large house near the consulate. Abdul Razaq Qaderi, deputy police chief of Balkh province, said that an investigation is underway to try to identify the men and those behind the attack.

Munir Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for the provincial governor, told that at least one security personnel was killed and nine others were wounded fighting the attackers. No one claimed responsibility for the consulate attack. Indian ambassador said all



the consulate staff are safe.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi who told him that India will always stand with the people of Afghanistan notwithstanding the terror attack on the Consulate. Mr Ghani briefed Mr Modi about the incident. The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the exemplary bravery and courage shown by the Afghan National Security Forces in thwarting the terrorist attack and ensuring security and safety of the Indian Consulate and personnel. 

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the incident. Mr Ban's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a news agency that the diplomatic outpost also needs to be protected.