Afghan attack

KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- At least 18 people were killed in coordinated suicide attacks on an area of Kabul where many foreign visitors stay.

Officials said suicide attackers charged a house often used by U.S. and U.K. personnel and a car bomb was detonated near a residence used by Indians. There were also lengthy gunfights associated with the attacks.

In addition to the nearly 20 people killed, more than 30 others were injured.

The Taliban, speaking with The New York Times, claimed responsibility for the attacks and said the assaults were designed to kill foreigners.

It was the fourth such assault in Kabul in recent months, all following the basic strategy of multiple attackers hitting more than one location.

Well to the south of the Afghan capital, allied forces continued their operation in Helmand province against Taliban militants and have installed Afghan leadership at Marja. The Taliban has suffered other setbacks recently, notably with the capture of suspected second-in-command Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and several so-called shadow governors in Pakistan.