Two dead after Taliban attack Afghan parliament

At least two people have been left dead after the Taliban launched a complex attack on the Afghan parliament.

A suicide car bomber struck at the entrance and gunmen battled police as politicians were meeting inside to confirm the appointment of a defence minister, police and witnesses said.

Afghan security forces managed to repel the attack, killing all seven gunmen and ensuring that no members of parliament were harmed. But the audacious assault came as the Taliban captured two districts in as many days in the country’s north.