KABUL - Taliban militants wearing explosive vests struck the center of Kabul Monday in a brazen daylight assault, and suicide bombings and gun battles near the presidential palace and other government buildings paralyzed the city for hours.

Afghan forces along with NATO advisers managed to restore order after nearly five hours as explosions and machine-gun fire echoed across the mountain-rimmed city, sending terrified Afghans racing for cover. Twelve people were killed, including seven attackers, officials said.

The assault by a handful of determined militants suggested that the mostly rural Taliban are prepared to strike at the heart of the Afghan state - even as the United States and its international partners are rushing 37,000 reinforcements to join the eight-year war.

"We are so concerned, so disappointed about the security in the capital," said Mohammad Hussain, 25, a shopkeeper.

The violence began shortly before 10 a.m. and persisted until midafternoon with attacks at four locations within an area of less than one square mile.

As the attack unfolded, cabinet members were being sworn in by President Hamid Karzai despite the parliament's rejection of most of his choices. Presidential spokesman Waheed Omar said the ceremony occurred as scheduled and that everybody in the palace was safe.

In the first assault, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at Pashtunistan Square, near the gates to the presidential palace, the Central Bank and the luxury Serena Hotel, which is frequented by Westerners.

Other militants fought with Afghan troops, who converged quickly on the scene in pickup trucks and armored vehicles. Police sealed off the area and helicopters buzzed overhead.

Several attackers stormed into a nearby shopping mall, prompting a standoff with security forces. Two bombers were killed when their explosives detonated, setting the four-story building ablaze.

About 11:17 a.m., another suicide attacker drove toward the area in an ambulance but blew himself up after he was challenged at a checkpoint.

About 1 p.m., three other attackers entered another commercial building housing offices and stores, holding off security forces for about two hours before they were killed.

Interior Minister Hanif Atmar said the dead included an intelligence agent, two policemen and two civilians, including a child. He said 71 other people were wounded, including 35 civilians.

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker; Newsday / A.J. Singh

Put a little love in your heart with the NewsdayTV Valentine's Day Special! From Love Lane in Mattituck, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year.

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