Gun battle rages in Afghan capital after powerful blast injures 65

Afghan security forces are battling Taliban gunmen after they stormed into a building in Kabul early Monday, wounding as many as 100 people.

Special forces have cordoned off the area, as sporadic gunfire and explosions continue to be heard.

At least three gunmen have entered the building near the defence ministry, minutes after they triggered a bomb-laden truck explosion outside the compound.

The attack comes as US special peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is holding talks with the Taliban group, aimed at ending the 18-year conflict.