BBC News - Militants launch attacks on Afghanistan capital, Kabul
Militants launch attacks on Afghanistan capital, Kabul:
Militants are carrying out what appear to be co-ordinated attacks on the Afghan capital Kabul.
Multiple blasts and gunfire have been heard in the central district, home to a number of international embassies.
There have also been blasts near the parliament building in the west of the capital, where security forces are said to be fighting at least six militants.
There is normally a surge in the number of Taliban attacks at this time of year following a relative lull in winter.
A Taliban spokesman said they were behind the Kabul attacks on the diplomatic enclave and parliament, as well as ongoing attacks in Logar province, close to Kabul, and Paktia province.
Smoke billowing
There are reports of at least seven large explosions in central Kabul and gunfire from various directions in the heavily barricaded diplomatic zone.
Residents were reportedly running for cover and sirens wailing in the Wazir Akbar Khan district.
Some explosions were also heard near the parliament building in western Kabul and police said it was under attack.
A parliamentary spokesperson told Reuters news agency rockets had been fired at parliament and the Russian embassy.
Smoke was said to be billowing from the direction of the German embassy.
The Agence France-Presse news agency reports that the newly built Kabul Star hotel is on fire.
Its reporters said they heard the US embassy sounding alarms and warning staff to take cover.
There are also reports of gunfire from a number of other parts of the capital.
The BBC's Bilal Sarwary in Kabul says there are also reports of a suicide attack that has closed the centre of the eastern city of Jalalabad.