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Explosions shake Afghan capital Militants attack Afghan capital
(20 minutes later)
A number of explosions have been heard close to government buildings in the Afghan capital, Kabul, officials say. Suspected Taliban militants have launched an attack in the Afghan capital Kabul, setting off explosions and sparking a gunbattle.
A BBC correspondent says he has heard a number of blasts. The area has been cordoned off by the Afghan police. The fighting is in an area around the presidential palace, Serena Hotel, the Central Bank and Ministry of Justice.
A gunbattle is reported to have broken out between security forces and militants, the Associated Press said. A BBC correspondent at the scene says he heard a series of explosions close to government ministry buildings, followed by shooting.
The fighting was taking place between the Central Bank and the luxury Serena Hotel, close to the compound of President Hamid Karzai, AP reported. The Taliban says 20 fighters, including suicide bombers, are involved.
Nato has said international troops are helping Afghan forces secure the area.
Streets in the centre of the city have been closed and hotels and government buildings have been locked down.
The BBC's Mark Dummett at the scene says he heard explosions and gunfire. Staff at the Serena Hotel told him there were two groups of attackers, some of whom were firing from the fourth floor of a nearby building.
The attack happened as some cabinet members of President Hamid Karzai were being sworn in.