Taliban forces on Wednesday launched a deadly assault on a United Nations residential compound, declaring their intention to train attacks on Kabul as the country prepares for a presidential run-off election

Gunmen in suicide vests stormed a guesthouse used by UN staff in the centre of the capital shortly after dawn. At least seven people were killed, including six foreign UN staff, and nine injured at the hostel where 20 officials were staying. Afghan security retook the building later in the morning in a hour-long gun battle, killing three attackers. Two are believed to have escaped.