Afghan vice president 'survives attempt on life'

KABUL, Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s vice president survived an assassination attempt in the capital Kabul on Wednesday, according to his office.

Amrullah Saleh’s convoy was the target of a roadside bomb in the capital’s Taimany area during the morning rush hour, said a statement from his office.

While Saleh, the senior of Afghanistan’s two vice presidents, remained unharmed, at least six people were killed and 12 injured in the bombing, according to the Health Ministry.

The former intelligence chief and staunch critic of the Taliban released a video message soon after the attack.

“My struggle [against terrorism] will continue,” he stressed, assuring supporters that he is unharmed, though with bandages visible around one hand.

Within hours of the attack, the Taliban issued a statement denying any involvement.

The attack has been vehemently condemned.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said the terrorists and their foreign backers cannot undermine people’s trust in democracy or the future of Afghanistan with such crimes.

“Our security and defense forces’ fight against the terrorists continues with seriousness and determination,” Ghani said in a statement.

Ross Wilson, US ambassador to Afghanistan, condemned the attack, also strongly reiterating support for Afghanistan’s democratic institutions and leaders, including Saleh.

“We strongly support efforts that we hope begin soon in Doha toward lasting peace and an end to this kind of violence,” he said, referring to long-awaited direct peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government in the Qatari capital.

Last year Saleh also narrowly escaped an attack on his election office in Kabul that left at least 20 people dead.