Kandahar governor's compound under attack

An armed attack is under way in Afghanistan against the office of the governor of southern Kandahar province.

Gunmen based in a shopping mall in Kandahar city are exchanging fire with security forces in governor Tooryalai Wesa's compound in Kadahar city, witnesses report.

Two explosions have been heard in the city, one near the compound.
The Taliban insurgency says it is behind the assault.

Spokesman Yusuf Ahmadi claimed that "heavy casualties have been inflicted on the enemy".
A witness quoted by Reuters news agency said he could see black smoke rising near Mr Wesa's compound. It was not immediately clear whether the governor was inside.

Afghanistan's Taliban insurgents announced the start of their "spring offensive" last week, saying they would increase attacks against foreign troops and Afghan government officials.

Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban and a hotbed of the insurgency, has been the focus of military operations by the Western-backed government over the past year.