Two people have died and 30 more were wounded after suicide bombers launched a coordinated attack in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The attack started at around midday (7.30am Irish time) when a large car bomb was detonated near the entrance to the National Directorate of Security.
Five other suicide bombers strapped with explosives and driving a minivan were shot dead as they tried to enter the NDS compound.
Two NDS guards were killed by the first bomber, security and health officials said.
The bombers managed to breach the heavily-barricaded centre of the capital, home to several Afghan ministries and Western embassies.
The Taliban sent a text message to media stating the attack had taken place, but did not claim responsibility.
NDS head Asadullah Khalid survived an assassination attempt last month in an attack that threatened to derail an already fragile peace process between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
Violence across the country has been increasing over the last year, sparking concern over how the 350,000-strong Afghan security forces will be able to manage once foreign troops withdraw.
