Afghanistan: Siege near Indian consulate ends, all attackers killed

Special Forces have killed the group of armed assailants who were targeting the Indian consulate in Afghanistan's Mazar-i-Sharif city, bringing an end to the siege which lasted for almost 24 hours.

According to the Guardian, no group has so far claimed responsibility for the raid in which at least one policeman was killed around 11 were injured.

Gunfights and explosions rang as commandos were seen sliding down a rope from a helicopter on to the roof of the building from where attackers were firing.

"The clearance operation is over and all three armed assailants have been killed. "We are still doing room-to-room searches. The area is absolutely under government control," Government spokesman Shir Jan Durrani said.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him about the statement.

The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the exemplary bravery and courage shown by the Afghan National Security Forces in thwarting the terrorist attack and ensuring security and safety of the Indian Consulate and personnel.

The attack on the Indian consulate came in the wake of the ongoing attack on the Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot, Punjab where seven defence personnel have been martyred.

The operation continues as one more terrorist is reportedly alive.