Nato allies targeted by Pakistan suicide bombers

A Pakistan-backed plot to conduct a series of suicide attacks in Kabul has been thwarted.

Devastation after a previous suicide bomb attack in Kabul Photo: EPA/S. SABAWOON

12:34PM BST 12 Aug 2012

Afghan and Nato forces foiled a series of suicide attacks on Kabul planned for Sunday when they captured five insurgents allegedly linked to militants in Pakistan, officials said.

The group was "finalizing plans for an attack in the capital" and a large cache of explosives, suicide vest parts, weapons and ammunition were seized in the overnight operation, Nato's International Security Assistance Force said.

The "sophisticated suicide attacks" would have targeted the Afghan parliament and the residence of Second Vice President Mohammad Karim Khalili, Afghanistan's intelligence agency said.

One of the five was a Pakistani national and the group was in possession of Afghan army uniforms and Pakistani identity documents, currency and cellphone numbers, the National Directorate for Security said.

"The evidence indicates they had connections with the terrorists beyond the border with Pakistan," the agency said.