19 killed, dozens hurt in Kabul attacks

KABUL: Taliban militants wearing suicide vests stormed the Justice Ministry and another government building in Afghanistan's capital on Wednesday, killing 19 people ahead of a planned visit by President Barack Obama's special envoy to the region.Eight attackers also died in the assaults, including an attacker outside a third government building, Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi said.The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks, which officials said wounded 46 people.The coordinated strikes struck in the heart of Kabul, underscoring the reach of the Taliban beyond their strongholds in the south and east. Hundreds of people were seen fleeing in panic and sirens were heard in Kabul.The incidents come at a time of worsening security in the country and a day before Richard Holbrooke, the new U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, was expected to visit Kabul.