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19 killed as gunmen target police in Afghanistan

By the CNN Wire Staff
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • NEW: At least 49 others were wounded, including nine children
  • The attackers entered a hotel and tageted a police post

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- At least 19 people were killed and 49 wounded when armed attackers targeted a police headquarters in southern Afghanistan Saturday, Afghan and NATO officials said.

The attackers entered a hotel and opened fire at a Kandahar police post. There were also suicide bombers involved, said a statement from NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). After first responders arrived at the scene, a car bomb detonated, resulting in more casualties.

The attacks killed 15 policemen, one Afghan soldier, a government security officer and two civlians. Nine children were wounded in the attacks, ISAF said.

Two of the suspected attackers were also killed, said Zalmay Ayoubi, spokesman for the Kandahar governor.

CNN's Matiullah Mati contributed to this report.