Attack on Kabul City Centre

Suicide bombers and armed militants attack the heart of Afghanistan causing the capital to shut down for hours. The Taliban claim to have sent as many as two dozen militants for this attack, 7 of which reportedly killed and the rest may still be at large. However President Hamid Karzai says security has been restored. 18/01/2010.

The attacks began at 0520GMT with a suicide bomber detonating his explosives in front of the central bank, next to the presidential palace. Armed militants took over a shopping centre overlooking the presidential palace, attacking other government buildings and Serena Hotel.

Explosions and gun battles raged on for hours until security forces declared the situation under control at 1230GMT.