Talibans attack Kabul

Taliban gunmen and suicide bombers have attacked buildings in the heart of the Afghan capital, Kabul, setting off explosions and sparking gun battles.



The BBC reports that fighting erupted near the Serena Hotel and the presidential palace, although Afghan President Hamid Karzai says security has now been restored.



The Taliban says 20 of its fighters took part in the attack on Kabul.



Officials say two civilians and three security personnel have been killed and 71 others wounded.



Seven attackers have also been reported killed.



The city is now said to be calm, but there is concern that some of the attackers may still be at large.



It’s the latest in a series of increasingly brazen attacks on Kabul.



A statement on a Taliban website says the raid had targeted government buildings and the hotel.