At least 9 people were killed on Friday when Taliban militants launched a series of attacks on the Afghan capital Kabul, officials and regional media say.

The attacks began at around 6:30 a.m., (02:00 GMT) when a blast occurred in the centre. Eyewitness reports say a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Safi Landmark Hotel.

Other reports say militants also launched an attack on the Kabul City Center shopping center.

Sirens sounded across the area, warning people to stay at home.

Two police officers are reported to have died in the assault, along with seven civilians, Afghan police say.

This was the first attack on the capital since January 18, when militants targeted government buildings, killing at least 17 people.

NATO and Afghan forces are continuing Operation Moshtarak, an attempt to drive Taliban fighters from their strongholds in south Afghanistan's Helmand province.

MOSCOW, February 26 (RIA Novosti)