Taliban kill South African family

Members of a South African family have been killed in an attack by Taliban militants in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, officials say.

The attack targeted a compound belonging to the US-based Partnership in Academics and Development (PAD) on Saturday, killing Werner Groenewald, 46, his son Jean-Pierre, 17, and his daughter, Rode, 15.

Clashes lasted at the site for three hours between Afghan elite commandos and Taliban militants. Three militants and five Afghan soldiers were killed in the fighting.

Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed the compound belonged to a secret Christian missionary group. A spokeswoman for the family has, however, rejected the claim.

Kabul police chief, General Zahir Zahir, resigned from his position following the incident.

During a press conference on Sunday, Zahir said the militants shot the director dead before entering the compound.

The deadly incident comes as US-led forces are preparing to leave Afghanistan and end their 13-year war in the country on December 31.

On November 27, the upper house of Afghanistan’s parliament ratified the country’s Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with Washington, and the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

Based on the agreements, the United States and NATO could keep a total of 12,500 soldiers in Afghanistan next year for what they describe as supporting Afghan forces.

US soldiers in Afghanistan will be granted immunity and be allowed to carry out controversial night raids on Afghan homes.

SZH/HJL/SS

Source Article from http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/11/30/388185/taliban-kill-south-african-family/

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