This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23042005
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Afghanistan presidential palace attacked in Kabul | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Militants have attacked security forces near the presidential palace in the centre of the Afghan capital, Kabul. | |
A BBC correspondent says the assailants are embroiled in clashes with President Hamid Karzai's bodyguards, as well as security personnel from the nearby ministry of defence and a CIA station. | |
The Taliban have said they are carrying out the attack. | |
The incident comes only days after Mr Karzai raised objections about US-backed peace talks with the Taliban. | |
He said the High Peace Council, the government body set up to lead peace efforts, would not take part unless the process was "Afghan-led". | |
News conference | |
The attack near the presidential palace, in the area of Shash Darak, began at about 06:30 local time (02:00 GMT), witnesses and police said. | |
The militants initially targeted the palace's eastern gate, where dozens of journalists had gathered for a news conference with President Karzai. | |
The BBC's Bilal Sarwary, who was among the crowd of journalists, says they were forced to run for cover as bullets flew overhead. | |
The journalists heard several explosions, and reports said grenades were being thrown. | |
The Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) wrote on Twitter: "Small arms fire and multiple explosions reported in #Kabul. Situation developing." | |
The CIA station and the Afghan ministry of defence are among the many official buildings and embassies situated near the palace. | |
It is not clear whether the president was at the palace when it came under attack. | |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | |
Read the terms and conditions |