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  • Afghanistan Parliament attack
    Smoke rises from the site of an attack near the Afghan parliament in Kabul, Afghanistan June 22, 2015. A Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked the Afghan parliament on Monday, shattering windows and forcing lawmakers to flee.Reuters
  • Afghanistan Parliament attack
    A vehicle is seen on fire after a blast near the Afghan parliament in Kabul, Afghanistan June 22, 2015.Reuters

UPDATE: The spokesperson for Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a tweet that Kabul security forces killed seven attackers and also clarified no MP was injured in the attack.

Earlier reports suggested that the security forces had gunned down six Taliban militants who attacked the Afghan parliament in Kabul on Monday, injuring one female lawmaker and about 25 civilians.

The attack took place outside the parliament when the lawmakers were attending a session at Wolesi Jirga, or lower house, of the parliament in the capital's Darul Aman road.   

The lawmakers had gathered for a session called to introduce the president's nominee, Masoom Stanekzai, for the post of defence minister.

"It was a huge blast that shook the building and shattered windows. We are right now in a safe place," Reuters quoted lawmaker Shukria Barekzai as saying.

The attack was carried out by a group of six suicide bombers who entered the building, reports Pajhwok Afghan News Agency.

Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said the first explosion took place in a car near the entrance, which was followed by multiple blasts and gunfire. Nearly six blasts were reported.  

Earlier, the Taliban had claimed reponsibility for the Afghan parliament attack. 

"Several mujahideen have entered the parliament building, heavy fighting is on going," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had posted on Twitter.

The Kabul police rushed to the area where the blasts occured.

"We have heard reports of an explosion. We are heading to the scene," Kabul police spokesman Ebadullah Karimi told AFP.

Another blast has been reported one hour after the attack on the Parliament

Health Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ismail Kahousi said at least 18 civilians have been injured in the attack, AP reports.

Ambulances have been rushed to the spot.

Children from a school, down the street were evacuated, AP reports.

According to Afghanistan's Pajhwok Afghan News Agency, six extremists have launched the attack. One female MP from Panjshir has been injured.

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