**Suicide bombers have targeted government buildings in the south-eastern Afghan city of Khost, as the Taleban fought security forces.**Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard near the main police station, attorney general’s office, courts and a local bank branch, Associated Press reported.
The battles come amid a spike of violence in the country ahead of elections on 20 August.
The Taliban have recently carried out several attacks on provincial cities.
In May, six people were killed when militants launched simultaneous assaults on government buildings in the city of Khost.
Last week five security personnel were killed in attacks in eastern Afghanistan.