Kabul: British Council hit by twin explosions

Two suicide bombers reportedly attacked the British Council building in the Afghan capital Kabul early Friday morning, killing at least three people.

Kabul police official Farooq Asas told the Associated Press that a suicide bomber detonated a car with explosives outside the British compound, and at least one attacker entered the compound by foot.

The explosion killed two Afghan policemen and a municipal worker, according to Asas.

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BBC reports there were at least three explosions, and a half dozen men stormed the compound.

The attack is reportedly ongoing, and Afghan and British troops have been dispatched to the scene to prepare to enter the compound.

"We can confirm there was an attack against a British Council compound in Afghanistan. The embassy is co-ordinating with the Afghan authorities, who are dealing with the incident," a British Foreign Office spokeswoman told BBC.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, which fell on the anniversary of Afghanistan's independence from Britain in 1919.

Police spokesman Muhammad Zahir told CNN that a military helicopter circled overhead during the incident.

Suicide attacks have increased in Afghanistan as the Afghan government prepares to be responsible for more and more security as the United States begins to withdraw troops. The number of Afghan civilians killed in such violence rose 15 percent in the first half of this year, according to a report by the United Nations.

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