1st LD Writethru: Militants storm gov't office in E. Afghanistan, 6 killed

Two police personnel and four assailant were killed after militants attacked a local court office in Maidan Shar city, capital of eastern Afghan province of Wardak on Tuesday, authorities said.

The attack occurred at around 10:30 a.m. (local time) after four militants tried to enter the provincial court office building but their assault was repelled by the security forces, provincial government spokesman, Attaullah Khogyani, told Xinhua.

"One terrorist blew his explosive vest up at the front gate while three militants tried to get access to second gate shortly after the blast," the official said, adding the attackers were disguised in army uniform.

Two policemen were killed following the blast while three militants were shot dead by the security forces before reaching the second security gate.

No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack, but the Taliban insurgent group routinely claims responsibility for such attacks.

The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since mid-last month when the militant group launched a yearly rebel offensive against Afghan security forces.

The Taliban urged civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as legitimate targets by militants, while warning people not to support the government.

On Monday, the Taliban launched a suicide truck bombing against government office buildings in southern Zabul province, killing four people and injuring over 70 others. Endi