ROCKET ATTACK ON KANDAHAR

On 20 August 2009 rockets struck the southern city of Kandahar just before polling stations opened at 0700 local time for Afghanistan's presidential election. At least four people were injured in the attack, for which the Taliban claimed responsibility. Polling stations in other parts of the country were also targeted with rocket attacks and gunfire. In the capital city of Kabul, Taliban militants engaged in a gun battle with security forces in a house in Karti Naw district. At least two militants were killed in the violence. Fear of violence prompted a low voter turnout in the polls, which were scheduled to close at 1600 local time.