Afghan forces counter an attack on Kabul airport

Militants stormed a building near Kabul airport just after dawn setting off explosions and launching a round of gunfire.

Officials reported a number of insurgents began shooting into the airport which is used by civilians and the military.

Kabul police said the assailants were quickly surrounded by Afghan forces, and declared the airport undamaged although it had been closed. There was no mention of any casualties.

Afghanistan’s Taliban later said they were behind the attack.

The incident comes at a time of uncertainty for Afghanistan as votes from the second round of a disputed presidential election are to be counted. The poll is meant to mark the country’s first democratic transfer of power.