Heavy explosions rocked capital Kabul early Tuesday morning after a number of militants carried out coordinated attacks near the Afghanistan presidential palace. Militants had reportedly entered the highly secured compound with Land Cruiser vehicles and fake VIP cards.
The explosions triggered heavy gun battle between the presidential palace security forces and the assailant militants which continued for more than one hour.
The attack was carried out near the entrance gate of presidential palace in Shash Darak area which is also close to ISAF headquarters and ministry of defense of Afghanistan. Over 15 explosions were heard in the area.
There are no reports regarding the casualties as a result of the incident and clashes have reportedly ended between the security forces and militants.
This comes as Afghan president Hamid Karzai was due to appear in a press conference to brief Afghan media regarding the Taliban political office in Qatar and Afghan peace process.
Taliban group claimed responsibility behind the incident.
A spokesman for the Taliban group Zabiullah Mujahid said the main target of the suicide bombers were Ariana Hotel which is used by United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
In the meantime Gen. Daud Amin deputy security chief for Kabul city said clashes have ended near the Afghan president Palace however he said that still there are no reports regarding the casualties.
Gen. Ayoub Salangi security chief for Kabul city said, at least three militants in coalition forces uniform were looking to enter the presidential palace using fake identity cards.
Mr. Salangi further added that clashes started after presidential palace security guards prevented the militants to enter the compound.
Another security official speaking on the condition of anonymity said four militants were looking to enter the presidential palace compound with two Land Cruiser vehicles.
The source further added that all militants were shot dead and Afghan security forces did not suffer any casualties.
