A gunbattle between militants and Afghan security forces broke out today in the heart of Kabul following an explosion, highlighting insurgents’ ability to penetrate close to the presidential palace in the heavily secured capital.

The fighting occurred near the Afghanistan Central Bank, the Afghan Justice and Finance ministries and the luxury Serena Hotel, which is frequented by westerners. Behind the bank is the heavily secured compound of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

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 no militants had entered the building.

A reporter with The Associated Press said Afghan security forces surrounded the area, and that fighting between the two sides was continuing. Ambulances transported the wounded from the scene.

NATO said the explosion was reported near the Central Bank and that international forces were working with Afghan troops to secure the area.


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