On February 11, 2009, a series of coordinated attacks by the insurgent group Taliban hit multiple government buildings in Kabul, including the Justice Ministry and the Directorate of Prisons. The assaults killed 21 people and injured 57, engaging attackers in heavily fortified government sites. The attacks occurred just a day before the arrival of U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke, illustrating the insurgents’ aim to send a political message. The intensity and audacity of the raids highlighted the Taliban’s capacity to strike in the capital despite heavy security measures. The event also emphasized the challenges faced by Afghan security forces and their international partners in protecting key infrastructure.
