7 May 2011 Last updated at 11:40 ET

Afghanistan: Fierce fighting follows Kandahar attack

Heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades have reportedly been used by both sides

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Intense fighting is taking place in Afghanistan's second city of Kandahar amid co-ordinated militant attacks, including at least six suicide bombs.

The Taliban says it is behind the triple assault on the provincial governor's office, the Afghan spy agency and a police station.

About 23 people including three police have been injured in the fighting, which spread panic on the streets.

US helicopter gunships are reported to have been involved.

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

Paralysed city
A spokesman for the Afghan spy agency, the National Directorate of Security, told the BBC the attack on the governor's compound was now over and two Taliban fighters had died.

He added: "But they are still attacking my office from a nearby Kandahar hotel. Fighting is still intense.

"They are using heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, hand grenades and AKs [AK-47s].


“Forget human, even the birds have fled the cityâ€