Explosions rock Afghan capital, Taliban claims responsibility

KABUL, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Taliban militants carried out a series of bombing attacks in downtown Afghan capital Kabul Monday morning.

One of the blasts occurred at Pashtunistan Square close to the Presidential Palace, the Ministry of Justice and Afghanistan's central bank building.

The area has been cordoned off by security forces as gunfire continues.

Militants penetrated a five-story superstore and buildings nearby targeting security forces around, according to an official who did not want to be identified.

Meanwhile, Taliban purported spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, saying some suicide bombers entered the city to target government interests.

He also claimed that one of the suicide bombers blew himself up at the gate of the Presidential Palace.

However, it is unclear if there are any casualties.