Taliban Attack Kandahar

BBC reports:

Fighting is taking place in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar after militants launched a series of attacks.

The provincial governor's office, the Afghan spy agency and a police station have been targeted.

There have been at least six suicide attacks, and about 23 people, including three policemen, have been injured.

US helicopter gunships are reported to have been involved. It comes hours after the Taliban vowed to avenge al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden's death.

The Taliban says it is behind the attacks in Kandahar.

Gunmen in a four-storey shopping centre are exchanging fire with security forces in Governor Tooryalai Wesa's compound.

Rocket-propelled grenades, heavy machine guns and hand grenades have been used by both sides, and at least seven explosions have rocked the city.

A witness quoted by Reuters news agency said he could see black smoke rising near Mr Wesa's compound. It was not immediately clear whether the governor was inside.