Oh my God, again it's a suicide (bomber)

"Oh my God, again it's a suicide (bomber)," said Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, adviser to the Afghan president on home security and the man in charge of devising a plan to reintegrate the Taliban.

Staff in the compound were locked down as the attacks unfolded, prevented from leaving the building and moved away from windows. Streets nearby were blocked by security forces as helicopters clattered overhead and the sound of wailing ambulance sirens could be heard rushing to the scene.

However, he stressed the young men with explosives strapped inside their jackets who caused mayhem in Kabul on Monday were not on the list for reintegration.

"These are the ones who have to be brought to justice," he said. "The long-term impact of these programs is to prevent these kinds of incidents from happening."

"This is a tough life. It is a pity we have been like this for the past 30 years. Something has to be changed. Every day people are sacrificed without knowing for what," he said.

Minutes later, his chief of staff interrupted the interview. "Maybe it is time to go downstairs," he said, leading the official and the interviewer into a safe room in the basement.

KABUL: Afghan officials say at least 10 people including four suicide bombers have been killed in fighting that broke out when Taliban militants launched attacks on government targets in Kabul.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told foreign news agency that 20 armed militants, including some with suicide vests, had entered Kabul to target the presidential palace and other government buildings in central Kabul. Explosions and the rattle of heavy machine-gun fire rattled the city for hours Monday.

The Defense Ministry says the situation has been brought largely under control by mid afternoon, although sporadic clashes continue to be reported.

At least two shopping centres are on fire, amid reports that militants have blown themselves up. The television reported that Kabul's only five-star hotel is also on fire.