2013 Afghan presidential palace attack

The 2013 Afghan presidential palace attack occurred on June 25, 2013, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The attack, allegedly claimed to be carried out by The Taliban, occurred at the eastern gate of the presidential palace around 6:30 A.M. Afghanistan time, where a group of reporters were gathering for a press event. Between seven and eight explosions, alleged by the Taliban as suicide bombs, were counted outside the palace. The explosions were later followed with an exchange of intense gunfire between the three or four Taliban fighters, and Afghan security officials, which lasted 90 minutes. Obtaining fake identification, badges and vehicle passes, five of the eight Taliban members were able to clear high-level security clearances, driving two land cruisers similar to those used by international soldiers. All insurgents were slaughtered by the reacting forces.

The United States Central Intelligence Agency's Afghanistan station nearby the presidential palace was also struck by two rocket-propelled grenades during the attack. Targeting the CIA's office in the Ariana Hotel, the Taliban attacked inside one of the most heavily restricted areas of Afghanistan, in downtown Kabul where the U.S. Embassy and the headquarters of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force are located. The headquarters of the Afghan Ministry of Defense was also targeted in the Taliban's plot.

With no immediate reports of civilian casualties, it remains unclear whether several Afghan schoolchildren who were caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and security guards were harmed. Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who was inside the palace at the time, was not injured. The attack resulted in the deaths of three palace security guards, and all eight of the Taliban fighters.