Militants, Afghan police fight in Afghan capital following blast near presidential palace

Militants, Afghan police battle in Afghan capital

KABUL — Afghan officials say at least five people have been killed and 38 wounded in fighting that broke out when Taliban militants launched attacks on government targets in Kabul.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told The Associated Press that 20 armed militants, including some with suicide vests, had entered Kabul to target the presidential palace and other government buildings in central Kabul.

Explosions and the rattle of heavy machine-gun fire rattled the city for hours Monday. The Defense Ministry says the situation has been brought largely under control by midafternoon, although sporadic clashes continue to be reported.

The Ministry of Public Health says those killed include one civilian and four military forces.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

KABUL (AP) — Taliban militants struck at heart of the Afghan government Monday, launching attacks at key targets in the center of the city in a clear sign the insurgents plan to escalate the fight as the U.S. and its allies ramp up their own campaign to end the war.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told The Associated Press that 20 armed militants, including some with suicide vests, had entered Kabul to target the presidential palace and other government buildings in central Kabul. Explosions and the rattle of heavy machine-gun fire rattled the city.

Debris was strewn on the streets, which were quickly abandoned by crowds that normally fill the area. At least 15 people, including three policemen, were injured, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

The attack unfolded on a day in which confirmed Cabinet members were sworn in by President Hamid Karzai despite the rejection by parliament of the majority of his choices. Presidential spokesman, Waheed Omar, said the swearing-in had occurred as scheduled and everybody in the palace was safe.

The first blast was heard shortly before 10 a.m. in an area where government buildings are concentrated, including the presidential palace and the Central Bank. Fighting was raging hours later and one four-story shopping center was on fire, with huge flames and black smoke engulfing the building.

Two suicide bombers had detonated their explosives and Afghan troops killed two other militants in the building, Interior Ministry spokesman Zemari Bashary said. He said other militants were holed up on the top floor.

It was the biggest attack in the capital since Oct. 28 when gunmen with automatic weapons and suicide vests stormed a guest house used by U.N. staff, killing at least seven people including three U.N. staff.

Militants have become increasingly brazen in challenging Afghan and international forces as the U.S. and NATO allies begin sending 37,000 more troops to join the fight.

The ability of the insurgents to penetrate the heavily secured city — even near the presidential palace and government ministries — also was likely to deal a new blow to public confidence in the Afghan government, already tarnished by a fraud-marred election.

“We are so concerned, so disappointed about the security in the capital,” said Mohammad Hussain, a 25-year-old shopkeeper, who witnessed the fighting. “Tens of thousands of U.S. and NATO troops are being sent to Afghanistan, yet security in the capital is deteriorating.”

Police sealed off a large area in the center of Kabul as the clash of machine-gun fire echoed through the mountain-rimmed city. Helicopters buzzed overhead. A car that exploded between a shopping center and the Ministry of Education burned in the street.

One group of militants entered the shopping center after throwing grenades inside to frighten shoppers, Interior Ministry spokesman Zemari Bashary said.

“The area is surrounded by security forces,” he said. “A gunbattle is going on.”

NATO, which said international forces were working with Afghan forces to secure the area, said Afghan troops had killed at least two armed insurgents while clearing a building at a shopping center.

The Taliban spokesman claimed Afghan troops had been killed, but that could not be immediately confirmed.

Mohib Safi, deputy governor of the central bank, said bank employees heard a strong explosion followed by gunfire. He said employees were safely inside and that no militants had entered the building.

Another huge explosion was heard less than two hours later at an intersection near the Education Ministry.

Afghan security forces surrounded the area, and fighting between the two sides was continuing. Ambulances transported the wounded from the scene.

The attack was reminiscent of an Oct. 28 ambush against a Kabul guest house in which at least 11 people died, including five U.N. staff and three attackers.

A suicide car bomber also struck outside the Indian Embassy on Oct. 8, killing at least 17 people.

Abdul Rahman Hamedi, 38, lamented the violence in the capital at a time when fresh international forces are being sent to southern and eastern regions where the fighting has been worst.

“Today it looks like a coup,” said Hamedi, who ran with his son from his shop. “Everybody said ‘The city is full of suicide bombers.’”

Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez contributed to this report.