Afghanistan

Taliban Launches Salvo of Rockets in Failed Attempt to Kill Mattis, NATO Chief

Two Taliban commanders told NBC News on condition of anonymity that "insiders" in Afghan security and the airport tipped them off to Mattis' visit

The Taliban fired six rockets at Afghanistan's main airport Wednesday, intending to kill Defense Secretary James Mattis, NBC News reported.

But Mattis, visiting unannounced with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, had left the airport in Kabul hours before the rockets hit, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said. No one was hurt in the attack.

Two Taliban commanders told NBC News on condition of anonymity that "insiders" in Afghan security and the airport tipped them off to Mattis' visit.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the group claimed responsibility and that Mattis and other U.S. officials were targets, though ISIS claimed responsibility as well.

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