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The Taliban claimed responsibility on Tuesday for an early morning attack on the presidential palace and nearby government and other buildings in Kabul.
The claim came as fighting raged on in the area.
"Today at 6.30 a.m. a number of martyrs attacked the presidential palace, defence ministry and the Ariana Hotel," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a text message.
A Reuters reporter at the palace said the attack began soon after 0200GMT. Reporters were gathering for a news conference with President Hamid Karzai.
It was not immediately clear if Karzai was inside the building at the time of the assault.
