Just in: All six terrorists who attacked the Afghan Parliament killed. Taliban militants attacked the Afghan parliament today, with gunfire and a huge explosion rocking the building, sending lawmakers running for cover in chaotic scenes relayed live on television.


The militants swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack which came as the Afghan president's nominee for the crucial post of defence minister was to be introduced in parliament.


A major assault on such a high-profile target in downtown Kabul raises fresh questions about security as Afghan forces battle a resurgent Taliban without the aid of NATO forces, who ended their combat mission in December. A thick plume of smoke was seen rising from the building.