2013 attack on U.S. consulate in Herat
2013 attack on U.S. consulate in Herat | |
---|---|
Part of War in Afghanistan (2001–present) | |
![]() Location of Herat Province in Afghanistan | |
Location | Herat, Afghanistan |
Date |
13 September 2013 5.30 am |
Target | U.S. consulate |
Attack type | Truck bombing, mass shooting |
Weapons | Truck bomb, assault rifles, RPGs |
Deaths | 8 Attackers, 8 Guards, and 1 Afghan Police Officer |
Non-fatal injuries | 20 |
Perpetrators | Taliban |
The U.S. consulate in Herat, Afghanistan was attacked on September 13, 2013 by a group of Taliban militants.[1] Reports indicated that the assault began at 5:30 am on the front gate of the consulate. A large truck drove up to the Consulate's primary vehicle entry point and detonated. a massive improvised explosive charge, causing extensive damage.[2] A minivan carrying an assault team armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades arrived and opened fire, moving into the Consulate compound. Then the driver of the minivan ignited a bomb inside the minivan, which exploded a short time afterwards.[3] Eight Afghan members of the Consulate's guard force and one Afghan police officer were killed and an unknown number of bystanders were wounded.[4] A gunbattle ensued, and all seven attackers were killed. No Americans were killed or seriously injured. The Department of State awarded Heroism Awards to several of the consulate's defenders.[5]
The Taliban took credit for the attack in an emailed statement.[6]
In a press release, the United Nations condemned the attack "in the strongest terms."[7]
See also
References
- ↑ "Taliban Militants Attack US Consulate in Afghanistan". Voice of America News. 13 September 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
- ↑ "Taliban Attacks U.S. Consulate in Afghanistan". Wall Street Journal. 13 September 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
- ↑ "Diplomatic Security Year in Review 2013" (PDF).
- ↑ Spero, Domani. "US Consulate Herat Casualties: One Afghan Police, Eight Local Guards Killed". Diplopundit. Retrieved 2016-01-10.
- ↑ "U.S. Department of State Awards". www.state.gov. Retrieved 2016-01-10.
- ↑ "U.S. troops join Afghans to repulse attack on consulate in Herat". McClatchy News. 13 September 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
- ↑ "UN SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT: Taliban attack on US Consulate in Herat" (Press release). The United Nations. September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 14, 2013.