At least 15 people have been killed in fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security forces in Kabul.
10 militants, four police officers and a civilian are among the dead.
The insurgents ultimately failed in their apparent attempt to seize government buildings in the Afghan capital, but demonstrated their ability to cause mayhem at a time when US President Barack Obama is trying to rally support for an expanded military mission to fight them.
It was the worst attack on the city in nearly a year and came as Afghan President Hamid Karzai was swearing in cabinet members.
The fiercest fighting was reported in Pashtunistan Square, which is near government buildings and the presidential palace.
The militants also attacked two shopping centres, a cinema and the only five-star hotel in the Afghan capital.
Gunfire and loud explosions shook the city this morning and a huge column of smoke was seen pouring out of the shopping centre, where gunmen battled security forces for hours.
Sporadic fighting is continuing in some areas, although Mr Karzai has stressed the city is back under 'under control.'
A Taliban spokesperson said 20 of its fighters were involved in the attacks, which targeted the presidential palace, justice ministry, ministry of mines and a presidential administrative building - all clustered in the centre of town.
Government buildings and diplomatic offices in Kabul are heavily fortified but a series of attacks in the past year, including one which killed five foreign UN staff at a guest house, underscore the city's vulnerability.
