**Suspected Taliban militants have launched an attack in the Afghan capital Kabul, setting off explosions and sparking a gunbattle.**The fighting is in an area around the presidential palace, Serena Hotel, the Central Bank and Ministry of Justice.
A BBC correspondent at the scene says he heard a series of explosions close to government ministry buildings, followed by shooting.
The Taliban says 20 fighters, including suicide bombers, are involved.
Nato has said international troops are helping Afghan forces secure the area.
Streets in the centre of the city have been closed and hotels and government buildings have been locked down.
The BBC’s Mark Dummett at the scene says he heard explosions and gunfire. Staff at the Serena Hotel told him there were two groups of attackers, some of whom were firing from the fourth floor of a nearby building.
The attack happened as some cabinet members of President Hamid Karzai were being sworn in.