Taliban say two Karzai attackers killed in clash

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP that two rebels named Attah Mohammad and Mirwais were killed in the security forces operation, along with Mohammad's wife and baby daughter. There was no official confirmation.

"They had planned and executed Sundays attack on the military parade and had managed to escape after the attack while three of their friends were killed that day," Mujahid said by telephone.

Karzai was unharmed but three people, including a lawmaker, were killed in Sunday's brazen attack on a parade marking 16 years since the fall of the last communist government. Three militants were also killed.

The Taliban spokesman said another rebel had escaped Wednesday's raid by intelligence agents and police on a house in the western part of the Afghan capital. "They had rented the house and were making plans and executing plans from there. Attah Mohammad, Mirwais, Bibi Aeesha and her daughter were all killed after a 10-hour resistance," he said.

Witnesses reported a fierce gun battle at the house. Intelligence agents and police surrounded the building and sealed off most of the surrounding area but would not give details.

"You hear light weapons and explosions similar to rocket-propelled grenades and hand grenades, and then it goes quiet for 10 to 15 minutes," resident Mohammad Kabir told AFP.

An AFP photographer saw intelligence agents drive three men away in handcuffs as the gunfire and explosions continued.

"It is an ongoing operation. We cannot give any details at this stage," intelligence agency spokesman Sayed Ansari told AFP.

Most roads leading to the area, which is near the citys ancient Babur Gardens, were sealed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic and the media were kept far away.

"It is an intelligence operation and we have no information. We only provide support since it is our area of responsibility," interior ministry spokesman Zemarai Bashary said.