Taliban, Afghan forces clash in Kabul (10 images)

Afghan policeman are jubilant after a gun battle in Kabul, Afghanistan, on January 18, 2010. Taliban militants struck the heart of the Afghan government in Kabul on Monday, prompting fierce gun battles after a suicide bomber blew himself up near the presidential palace. More explosions rocked the capital as Afghan troops fought off the attackers. UPI/Hossein Fatemi

Afghan policemen stand guard near the body of a Taliban fighter at Cinema Ariana where clashes between Taliban-linked militants and security forces occurred in Kabul on January 18, 2010. Cabinet ministers approved by Afghanistan's parliament were sworn in at the presidential palace, an official said, while one of the worst attacks on Kabul raged outside the gates. At least five people were killed and almost 40 wounded, officials said, when Taliban-linked militants stormed the center of Kabul at the height of the morning rush hour. UPI/Hossein Fatemi

Afghan policemen stand guard near the body of a Taliban fighter at Cinema Ariana where clashes between Taliban-linked militants and security forces occurred in Kabul on January 18, 2010. Cabinet ministers approved by Afghanistan's parliament were sworn in at the presidential palace, an official said, while one of the worst attacks on Kabul raged outside the gates. At least five people were killed and almost 40 wounded, officials said, when Taliban-linked militants stormed the center of Kabul at the height of the morning rush hour. UPI/Hossein Fatemi

Afghan policemen secure the site of a second suicide attack in Kabul on January 18, 2010. At least 18 civilians were wounded when fighting erupted between Taliban militants and Afghan security forces in the centre of Kabul on January 18, a health ministry spokesman said. The Taliban launched a string of attacks on government buildings and shopping centres in commercial and political heart of the Afghan capital, triggering gun battles with security forces.UPI/Hossein FatemiUPI/Hossein Fatemi