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                Taliban Targets Turkish Embassy Vehicle in Kabul

   by Ayaz Gul

   A Taliban suicide bomber rammed his explosives-packed vehicle into a
   Turkish embassy convoy in the Afghan capital Thursday morning, killing
   at least two people

   A spokesman for Kabul police tells VOA a Turkish national was among
   those killed in the attack that took place just outside the Turkish
   mission in central Kabul, not far from the Afghan presidential palace.

   "The target was a Turkish Embassy vehicle," Deputy Interior Minister
   Ayub Salangi told reporters at site of the blast.

   The Taliban swiftly claimed responsibility, saying the target was a
   convoy of foreigners. Television footage showed two armored vehicles
   bearing Turkish diplomatic plates and a wounded person being carried
   from a car.

   This is the first known insurgent attack on a Turkish target in Kabul
   and the second time a diplomatic mission's convoy has been attacked by
   Taliban militants in recent months. In November, a British embassy car
   was attacked by a suicide bomber.

   Afghan media claimed Turkey's Ambassador Ismail Aramaz, who is
   currently the NATO's Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan,
   appeared to be the target of Thursday's bombing. He was not present in
   the convoy.

   The violence comes amid reports peace talks between the Afghan
   government and the Taliban may soon open to seek an end to the conflict
   in Afghanistan. The insurgent group has yet to confirm claims it is
   willing to enter into the dialogue.

   Ayesha Tanzeem contributed to this report from Islamabad.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/taliban-targets-turkish-embassy-vehicle-in-kabul/2659797.html