Stark
01-18-2010, 04:06 AM
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- At least two explosions and gunfire shook downtown Kabul on Monday morning, with the Taliban saying it was conducting a militant operation.
The attack started as 14 members of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's Cabinet were to be sworn in, said Parliament member Fawzia Koofi.
About 20 Taliban insurgents entered the presidential palace; the ministries of finance, mines and justice; and the Serena Hotel, said spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. The militants claimed responsibility for one explosion, which was later followed by at least one another.
In a differing account, NATO-led forces said "several small explosions" and gunfire were reported near the Feroshgah e Afghan Shopping Center and the Serena Hotel.
At least two insurgents had been killed at the shopping center, NATO-led forces said in a news release, which also said that Afghan national police had secured all roads in the area.
An unknown number of downtown buildings were on fire, with smoke billowing above. It was not immediately clear which buildings were burning.
Monday's assault followed weekend violence that killed at least three international troops and 14 militants in Afghanistan, authorities said.
The attack started as 14 members of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's Cabinet were to be sworn in, said Parliament member Fawzia Koofi.
About 20 Taliban insurgents entered the presidential palace; the ministries of finance, mines and justice; and the Serena Hotel, said spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. The militants claimed responsibility for one explosion, which was later followed by at least one another.
In a differing account, NATO-led forces said "several small explosions" and gunfire were reported near the Feroshgah e Afghan Shopping Center and the Serena Hotel.
At least two insurgents had been killed at the shopping center, NATO-led forces said in a news release, which also said that Afghan national police had secured all roads in the area.
An unknown number of downtown buildings were on fire, with smoke billowing above. It was not immediately clear which buildings were burning.
Monday's assault followed weekend violence that killed at least three international troops and 14 militants in Afghanistan, authorities said.