Plot to bomb NATO compound in Kabul foiled

[Nergal]

 

AFGHAN security forces have thwarted an alleged plot by insurgents armed with rockets to attack diplomatic missions and the NATO compound, the second such attempt in three days in the capital Kabul.

Three rockets were seized outside the secure Western “green zone” and an unspecified number of arrests made.

Recent plots have been detected with the use of a government-managed blimp that floats permanently high over the city, searching the streets for suspicious activity. The blimp has thwarted attacks in the past, notably a car packed with explosives in 2016.

The arrested are still being interrogated by local authorities.

A day later another battle in the west of the city by suspected insurgents saw up to three police officers killed and seriously wounded.

A spokesman for NATO confirmed the rocket plot, the third such plot involving rockets in Kabul this month, had been thwarted but declined to comment further.

A small team of Australian Defence Force personnel are based in the expansive high-security NATO compound.

Last week the Taliban announced the start of the spring offensive and threatened to target US-led NATO and coalition forces that they claim are “occupying” their country.

In retaliation Afghan and US forces have reportedly been engaged in pitched battle with insurgents including both Taliban and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).

In one day alone last week, 68 insurgents including four ISKP operatives were killed in multiple raids across the country designed to thwart attacks, with 40 IED’s seized and caches of guns and ammunition seized. The next day 71 insurgents were killed; in one week in all 300 Taliban and ISKP militants were killed.

Based in the NATO compound as part of its Operation Resolute Support’s pointedly-named Counter Improvised Threat Defeat Branch, RAAF Sergeant Adrian Cooling, told News Corp Australia Kabul could see more frequent Taliban and ISKP attacks.

“What I see now is more high-profile attacks than before because they are getting defeated a lot more in outer areas,” said the airman from the 65 Squadron in Orchard Hills near Penrith that specialises in airfield engineering and explosive ordnance disposal capabilities.

“They are not taking (control) of areas like they were so they’re transitioning more to high-profile attacks; two years ago and in the last 12 months to now they are trending up to high profile attacks in Kabul to have that greater impact.”