Afghan government condemns Taliban deadly attack in Kabul amid peace talks in Doha

The attack which begun in the morning rush hour Monday and lasted for about eight hours, has left at least 11 people dead, including four civilians, two police personnel and five attackers, according to the Interior Ministry.

But local media reports have put the casualties higher than that, saying dozens of civilians were killed.

The Taliban outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Afghan government has denounced the attack as an act of terrorism, calling upon Taliban group to give up subversive activities and work for peace in Afghanistan.

In a statement released by Presidential Palace here, Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani stated that the Taliban by conducting terrorist attacks has demonstrated its vicious designs in killing Afghans and continuation of war in Afghanistan.

Afghan government Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah has also condemned the attack in the strongest term.

Local newspaper the Daily Mandegar described the deadly attack as an attempt by the Taliban to secure upper hand at the ongoing peace talks in Qatar.

A lawmaker Anar Kolihunaryar speaking with local media on Tuesday described the attack as a coward terrorist one, saying the deadly terrorist attack raises doubt over the armed outfit's resolve to join peace process and hold talks with Afghan government.

The attack took place amid peace talks between U.S. Special peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban negotiators in Qatar's capital Doha.