Television station attacked in Afghan capital

ISIS claimed it plotted the assault against Shamshad TV in the city.

Witnesses said the morning attack began with a suspected suicide bombing, enabling other assailants to storm the facility.

Three more explosions were also heard during the siege which lasted several hours before Afghan security forces gunned down the attackers.

The broadcaster suspended its programing and resumed it, saying “the attack on Shamshad TV has ended.”

An employee at the station told VOA at least 20 wounded people, mostly employees at the station, have been taken to hospitals in the Afghan capital.

Television footage showed members of Afghan forces’ Crisis Response Unit surrounding and trying to enter the building while exchanging heavy gunfire with attackers.

The Taliban insurgency swiftly denied its involvement.

Abed Ehsas, the station’s news director, told the Afghan TOLO channel the attackers threw hand grenades, killing at least one security guard and wounding several others before, "shooting at anyone in their sight.”

“It was an attack on the media and on the people’s voice. It was not the first attack and probably it will not be the last attack ,” Ehsas said.