Taliban attack Afghanistan presidential palace

The Taliban has claimed it is responsible for an attack on the presidential palace in Kabul this morning, which happened as reporters gathered for a scheduled briefing with President Hamid Karzai.

Afghan security forces stand guard as smoke rises from the entrance gate of the Presidential palace in Kabul. Picture: Getty

The area remains under lockdown after an intense gun battle took place near the defence ministry and the nearby CIA office.

Journalists were forced to flee as gunfire erupted shortly before a press conference was due to be held.

A series of explosions and gunfire were heard outside the palace, one of the most heavily guarded areas in the Afghan capital.

Police say that all the attackers have now been killed.

The attack comes just days after Karzai said he will not enter peace talks with the Taliban unless they are Afghan-led.