Security forces in Afghanistan have foiled an insurgent attack near the Presidential Palace in Kabul this morning. According to police, the security forces have eliminated all the attackers in a gun battle that continued for more than an hour. However, there is no information about the casualties so far.

The attack took place this morning when journalists have gathed for a function in which Afghan President was to participate. As the journalists were queuing up for the security check at the gate of the Place around 7.30 a.m. (IST) there was a blast and firing started. The journalists took shelter behind the barricades and the police pickets. Alert was sounded Afghan security forces took position. They returned fire and the gun battle continued for nearly one hour in which all attackers were eliminated. Reports say the insurgents used fake VIP entry card for their vehicle and managed entry inside heavily guarded Presidential Palace compound. The area also houses the office of the Afghan Ministry of Defense and other important government offices including embassies of several countries, NATO headquarters and the office of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The security forces have since cleared the area, however strict security is being maintained as a precaution.