Afghan authorities thwart planned attacks on Kabul

Police detain 7 insurgents after failed attempt

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan security forces have detained seven accused insurgents in the capital of Kabul who planned to assassinate the vice-president and attack the city's presidential palace, officials said on Wednesday.

Lutfullah Mashal, spokesman for the National Directorate of Security, said five of the militants had been planning to attack the residence of Mohammad Qasim Fahim, President Hamid Karzai's first vice-president.