Media reports ten bomb blasts heard in Kabul, near Palace, CIA, ISAF HQ, UNAMA. Smoke rising over central Kabul. Multiple explosions and gunfire have been reported in central Kabul, close to the presidential palace at about 06:30am local time Tuesday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assault shortly thereafter. The area of the city occupies important offices where international important organizations, including the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, as well as the headquarters for the CIA and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.
American Embassy in Kabul was reportedly placed on lockdown, with ISAF confirming a lockdown over its Twitter feed; other facilities in the area are said to be under lockdown as well. According to the BBC, SMS messages were sent on behalf of the Taliban stating that targets were the presidential palace, the Ministry of Defense, as well as the Ariana Hotel, which is popular with international visitors. The Taliban has also indicated that several suicide bombers were involved in the attack. The CIA building in central Kabul was reported to be on fire, according to 1TV News, a local news broadcaster.
American Embassy in Kabul was reportedly placed on lockdown, with ISAF confirming a lockdown over its Twitter feed; other facilities in the area are said to be under lockdown as well. According to the BBC, SMS messages were sent on behalf of the Taliban stating that targets were the presidential palace, the Ministry of Defense, as well as the Ariana Hotel, which is popular with international visitors. The Taliban has also indicated that several suicide bombers were involved in the attack. The CIA building in central Kabul was reported to be on fire, according to 1TV News, a local news broadcaster.