Indian consulate attacked in Afghanistan's Herat - Times of India

KABUL: Police in western Afghanistan say gunmen have launched an attack on the Indian consulate in the city of Herat.

Abdul Sami Qatra, the provincial police chief, says the attack on Friday began when three gunmen opened fire on the consulate from a nearby home with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

Qatra says all the Indian workers inside the consulate compound are safe. He says two of the three gunmen have been killed by police officers, while one continues to fire on security forces.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson has also confirmed that all the staff present inside the consulate are safe.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Afghanistan is experience a rise in insurgent attacks as foreign troops plan to withdraw from the country by the end of the year.

India has invested more than $2 billion in Afghan projects, including roads and power projects.

The attack also comes at a time when Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said that he will be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi.