This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/8329140.stm

The article has changed 19 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
UN staff killed in Kabul attack UN staff killed in Kabul attack
(30 minutes later)
At least three United Nations employees have been killed and some injured in an attack in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul, the UN says. At least three UN employees have been killed in an attack in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul, the UN says.
Heavy gunfire and an explosion were heard at a guesthouse used by the UN, after militants entered the building.Heavy gunfire and an explosion were heard at a guesthouse used by the UN, after militants entered the building.
The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack. An Afghan official later told the BBC that six foreigners and three gunmen were killed in the attack for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.
There are reports of rockets being fired at the Serena Hotel in the city, which is used by diplomats and other international workers. There are also reports of rockets being fired at the Serena Hotel in the city, which is used by diplomats.
There is no information yet on whether anyone has been injured or killed at the hotel, but about 100 people inside at the time were taken to secure rooms.There is no information yet on whether anyone has been injured or killed at the hotel, but about 100 people inside at the time were taken to secure rooms.
'First step' The attacks come 10 days before the country is due to vote in the second round of the presidential election.
Taliban warning
The attack at the guesthouse happened just before 0700 (0230 GMT), Afghan police and the UN said.The attack at the guesthouse happened just before 0700 (0230 GMT), Afghan police and the UN said.
It is a private guesthouse which is used by UN and other international organizations. It is a private guesthouse which is used by UN and other international organisations.
"Several Taliban suiciders (took) hostage several UN workers in Kabul," the Islamist movement said in an English-language text message sent to Reuters news agency. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in a telephone call to the Associated Press.
Plumes of smoke were seen rising above central Kabul He said three Taliban militants with suicide vests, grenades and machine guns carried out the assault.
The militants said the attack was the "first step" in a campaign to disrupt the second round of presidential elections in 10 days' time. The spokesman added that last week the Taliban had threatened to target anyone working on the Afghan run-off presidential election between incumbent Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah.
"This is our first attack," he said.
UN spokesman Aleem Siddique told the BBC there was gunfire and an explosion outside the building, as UN employees tried to flee.UN spokesman Aleem Siddique told the BBC there was gunfire and an explosion outside the building, as UN employees tried to flee.
He later confirmed that three UN staff had killed and an unknown number injured in the attack. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Zemarai Bashary later told the BBC that six foreigners and three attackers were killed at the guesthouse.
It was not immediately known how many people were inside the building. He said the operation was now over, and the security forces were in control of the building.
Afghan policeman Waheed Sadiqi told Reuters news agency that "there are five or six terrorists inside" the building. It was not immediately known how many people were inside the building at the time.
A number of streets were cordoned off by the police as the gunfire continued.A number of streets were cordoned off by the police as the gunfire continued.
Kabul has been attacked regularly in recent months, with Taliban fighters targeting foreign troops or government offices.Kabul has been attacked regularly in recent months, with Taliban fighters targeting foreign troops or government offices.
The latest incident comes amid heightened tension in the country over a presidential election marred by widespread fraud in favour of incumbent President Hamid Karzai. The latest incident comes amid heightened tension in the country over the first round of presidential elections marred by widespread fraud in favour of President Karzai.
The UN is playing a leading role in organising the polls.
Are you Kabul? Did you witness the explosion or the gunfire? Send us your stories using the form below.Are you Kabul? Did you witness the explosion or the gunfire? Send us your stories using the form below.
You can also send us your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.You can also send us your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions Read the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions