US: Taliban ally behind attack

Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan

American officials Wednesday blamed the bold attack on the U.S. Embassy on a Pakistan-based group allied with the Taliban, acknowledging that the assault brought a propaganda victory for the insurgents.

The attack underscored holes in Afghan security: Six fighters with heavy weapons took over an unfinished high-rise that authorities knew was a perfect roost for an attack on the embassy and NATO headquarters about 300 yards away. They held out against a 20-hour barrage by Afghan and foreign forces.

It appeared likely that either weaponry had been stored in the 12-story building or that insurgents had entered in advance with guns and ammunition.

By the time the fighting ended at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the insurgents had killed 16 Afghans — five police officers and 11 civilians, more than half of them children. All 11 attackers were killed, authorities said.