Security Forces Stop Attack on Kabul

Five insurgents killed in morning gun battle.

Authorities say security forces have thwarted a major attack on the Afghan capital, after killing five insurgents in an early morning gunbattle.

Intelligence agency spokesman Latifullah Mashal said Afghan forces Thursday raided a compound in eastern Kabul, where the insurgents linked to the militant Haqqani network had gathered to prepare for an attack.  He said the militants were killed in an ensuing gunfight that lasted more than five hours.  Earlier, officials had put the death toll higher.