**At least three UN employees have been killed in an attack in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul, the UN says.**Heavy gunfire and an explosion were heard at a guesthouse used by the UN, after militants entered the building.
Afghan security forces are surrounding the building in the Shar-e-Now district amid reports that some militants are still inside.
The Taliban later claimed responsibility for the attack which happened at about 0700 (0230 GMT).
“Several Taliban suiciders (took) hostage several UN workers in Kabul,” the Islamist movement said in an English-language text message sent to Reuters news agency.
The militants said the attack was the “first step” in a campaign to disrupt the second round of presidential elections in 10 days’ time.
Afghan policeman Waheed Sadiqi told Reuters news agency earlier that “there are five or six terrorists inside” the building.
A number of streets have been cordoned off by the police as the gunfire continues.
Kabul has been attacked regularly in recent months, with Taliban fighters targeting foreign troops or government offices.
The latest incident comes amid heightened tension in the country over a presidential election marred by widespread fraud in favour of incumbent President Hamid Karzai.
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