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Militants attack Afghan capital Militants attack Afghan capital
(20 minutes later)
Suspected Taliban militants have launched an attack in the Afghan capital Kabul, setting off explosions and sparking a gunbattle.Suspected Taliban militants have launched an attack in the Afghan capital Kabul, setting off explosions and sparking a gunbattle.
The fighting is in an area around the presidential palace, Serena Hotel, the Central Bank and Ministry of Justice.The fighting is in an area around the presidential palace, Serena Hotel, the Central Bank and Ministry of Justice.
A BBC correspondent at the scene says he heard a series of explosions close to government ministry buildings, followed by shooting.A BBC correspondent at the scene says he heard a series of explosions close to government ministry buildings, followed by shooting.
The Taliban says 20 fighters, including suicide bombers, are involved.The Taliban says 20 fighters, including suicide bombers, are involved.
AT THE SCENE Mark Dummett, BBC News, Kabul
I'm in a basement in the heart of the city surrounded by key government buildings, the presidential palace and various ministries.
About an hour ago we heard the first series of explosions. Since then we have heard the sound of gun battles on the street outside. We haven't been able to speak to anybody in government as phone lines are down.
I have been told by security here that there is a gun battle and that there are at least two groups of attackers. Some were firing from the fourth floor of a building around here. Other attackers have detonated bombs.
We are not entirely sure what the scene is outside - but we think there was a series of bomb attacks followed by this fighting as the army and police try to clear the rest of the attackers.
A statement on a Taliban website said the attack had specifically targeted government buildings and the hotel.
Nato has said international troops are helping Afghan forces secure the area.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.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. A spokesman for the interior ministry has told the BBC that several insurgents had entered a private building - possibly a shopping centre - which was the focus of the gun battle with Afghan security forces.
The attack happened as some cabinet members of President Hamid Karzai were being sworn in. One official trapped in a government building told the Reuters news agency: "It is a chaotic scene, we do not know what to do and where to go."
The attack happened as some members of President Hamid Karzai's cabinet were being sworn in.