Police: Rocket hits Kabul as Afghans prepare to vote in parliamentary elections

Police: Rocket hits Kabul on Afghan voting day

KABUL, Afghanistan — Police say a rocket struck Kabul about three hours before citizens planned to head to the polls to vote in Afghanistan’s parliamentary elections.

Afghan police officer Mohammad Abrahim says the rocket landed around 4 a.m. in the yard of Afghanistan’s state-owned television station. It’s a couple of blocks from the presidential palace, NATO headquarters and the U.S. Embassy.

The rocket was an apparent warning from insurgents trying to scare people from going to the polls. About 2,500 candidates are vying for 249 seats in the parliament.

The Taliban have written threats on leaflets passed out at mosques, whispered them in villages and posted Internet messages saying those who cast ballots should be prepared to be attacked.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Police say a rocket has struck Kabul just hours before citizens planned to head to the polls to vote in Afghanistan’s parliamentary elections.

Afghan police officer Abdul Manan confirmed the pre-dawn attack Saturday on the capital — an apparent warning shot from insurgents trying to scare people from going to the polls.

About 2,500 candidates are vying for 249 parliamentary seats.

The Taliban have written threats on leaflets passed out at mosques, whispered them in villages and posted Internet messages saying those who cast ballots should be prepared to be attacked.