TALOQAN (PAN): Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani, leader of Jamiat-i-Islami Afghanistan (JIA), Thursday escaped unhurt in an attempt on his life in the northeastern province of Kunduz, officials said.

Suspected Taliban militants ambushed Rabbani's convoy on the Kabul- Kunduz Highwayin Aliabad district this morning, district chief Habibullah Muhtashim told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The attack sparked a fierce gun-battle between the policemen escorting the convoy and the militants. In the clash, three attackers were killed but their bodies were taken away by the militants. The assailants also fired rockets at the convoy, Muhtashim added.

A JIA member in Takhar said Rabbani visited Kishm district, where he was accorded a warm welcome by residents. A relative said Rabbani travelled to the district as part of his Dr. Abdullah Abdullah's election campaign.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, meanwhile, asserted responsibility for the assault and said Rabbani was the target. He added a vehicle in the convoy was hit and all people aboard were killed.

Mohammad Qasim Fahim, President Hamid Karzai's pick for vice-president, came under similar attack three weeks ago in Khanabad district of Kunduz province. Taliban had claimed responsibility for that attack too.

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