10 dead in Kabul suicide bombing

KABUL: Afghan officials say at least 10 people including four suicide bombers have been killed in fighting that broke out when Taliban militants launched attacks on government targets in Kabul. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told foreign news agency 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 mid afternoon, although sporadic clashes continue to be reported. At least two shopping centres are on fire, amid reports that militants have blown themselves up. The television reported that Kabul's only five-star hotel is also on fire.