Some of the attackers rampaged through the building of the Ministry for Martyrs and Disabled Persons taking workers hostage, and others fought a prolonged gun battle with local security forces. Health ministry spokesman Wahid Majroh said so far 43 bodies and 10 injured had been transported by ambulances from the attack site. However, the Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the group was not involved in the attack on Monday. They carry out near-daily attacks, mainly targeting security forces, government officials and civilians as human shields. In eastern Nangarhar province, the Taliban killed eight pro-government militia members and injured 12 during clashes in the Bati Kot district.

Source: Egypt Independent December 25, 2018 09:45 UTC