KABUL (PAN): The Interior Ministry has repudiated a media report regarding an assassination attempt on Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani, leader of the Jamiat-i-Islami Afghanistan (JIA), on Kabul- Kunduz Highway.
A day earlier, officials said the botched assault on the former president took place in Aliabad district of northeastern Kunduz province. District chief Habibullah Muhtashim and a JIA leader told Pajhwok Afghan News that Taliban ambushed the convoy carrying Rabbani.
On Friday, the ministry denied the JIA chief's convoy had been ambushed. Kunduz police foiled the militant ambush in Angoorbagh area well in time. As a result of a timely police operation, it added, the fighters fled after brief resistance.
A statement from the ministry explained the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) member passed through the area half an hour after the operation was carried out. "No attempt was made on Rabbani's life."
According to Muhtashim, police killed three Taliban assailants during a clash triggered by the ambush. A close relative said on the condition of anonymity that Rabbani was in the district to campaign for presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah Abdullah.
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