Serial blasts kill 17, injure 32 in central Kabul

A series of explosions and gun battles have killed at least 17 people and wounded thirty two others, including foreigners, in the Afghan capital, Kabul.



According to Afghan officials, the Friday morning attacks took place near a hotel and guest houses that are generally used by foreign nationals.

A Press TV correspondents say Afghan security forces quickly sealed off the blast area and authorities have advised the residents to stay indoor as a gunfight is ongoing between police and militants holed up in the area..

The casualties reportedly include several foreigners. Four Indians, a Frenchman and an Italian are said to be among the dead.

Security force members guarding the area are also among the dead.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attacks, which sent shock waves throughout the city center and its surroundings.

The death toll is expected to rise as some of the injured are said to be in critical condition.

Meanwhile, police shot and killed two people suspected of trying to detonate another bomb in the area.

Eyewitnesses have also reported at least two smaller explosions in another part of Kabul.

The Afghan capital has been hit numerous times in recent months by bombers and booby traps.

Thousands of Afghan civilians have been killed since the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, which was launched to allegedly destroy militancy in the country