Sarposa prison attack of 2008

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The Sarposa Prison attack in Kandahar, Afghanistan, happened on June 13, 2008. Taliban fighters attacked one of Afghanistan’s largest prisons and freed hundreds to about a thousand inmates.

Before the raid, about 200 prisoners had gone on a hunger strike to protest detention conditions, with 47 sewing their mouths shut. Parliament later agreed to review detentions.

What happened:
- Around 9 p.m., a fuel truck driven by a suicide attacker hit the front gate and exploded after an RPG was fired.
- The attackers then stormed the prison, firing rockets and guns. A second suicide bomber may have tried to strike the back gate, but reports differ on whether the rear wall was breached.
- About 30 insurgents on motorcycles fought guards for about 30 minutes, freeing prisoners who ran through a breached wall and into nearby groves.
- The prison reportedly held many Taliban suspects.

Casualties:
- 15 Afghan police officers killed
- 8 prisoners killed
- 2 suicide bombers killed

Aftermath:
- Canadian and ISAF forces secured Kandahar and searched for escapees.
- There were clashes with Taliban in surrounding areas, with several Taliban killed and Afghan and allied soldiers also losing their lives in related fighting.
- President Karzai threatened to send Afghan troops into Pakistan to pursue Taliban leaders.
- Kandahar’s provincial police chief and governor were replaced; Tooryalai Wesa became governor.
- U.S. and allied forces redirected troops to strengthen western Kandahar.