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Battle rages at governor's compound in west Afghanistan Battle rages at governor's compound in west Afghanistan
(35 minutes later)
A fierce battle has erupted in western Afghanistan after a suicide bomber and gunmen attacked the governor's compound in the city of Farah. A fierce battle has erupted in the western Afghan city of Farah after gunmen reportedly rammed the governor's compound with a bomb-laden vehicle.
At least 34 people have been wounded, the head of the local hospital told the BBC. No deaths have yet been officially confirmed.At least 34 people have been wounded, the head of the local hospital told the BBC. No deaths have yet been officially confirmed.
Taliban insurgents told one news agency they were behind the attack.Taliban insurgents told one news agency they were behind the attack.
Until recently, Farah province, which borders Iran, was seen as a relatively unaffected region.Until recently, Farah province, which borders Iran, was seen as a relatively unaffected region.
A senior Afghan security source told the BBC: "First there was a suicide attack, later on a group of attackers started fighting. But an earlier bomb and gun attack on the governor's compound, last May, left six policemen, a civilian and four attackers dead.
"[There is] fighting close to the court and Kabul bank. All roads closed. Bank and court both packed with civilians." 'Packed with civilians'
Eyewitnesses, including doctors in the city, said both sides were using machine-guns and grenades.Eyewitnesses, including doctors in the city, said both sides were using machine-guns and grenades.
Local shopkeeper Sayedo told the BBC: "I heard a huge bang and when I looked I saw several attackers armed with light and heavy weapons running towards the bank and the court. I left my shop. Mohammad Yunos, Farah's deputy governor, told a private Afghan TV channel by phone that militants had set off a "large explosive-laden vehicle at the western part of the governor's office".
The resulting blast damaged high-rise buildings, including the governor's office, other government and non-government agencies, and two banks.
After the initial assault, he told Channel One TV, that gunmen took up position in "multi-storey buildings".
"Currently the gunfire is getting less intense compared to the beginning when there was gunfire and explosions," he said.
Speaking to the BBC, a senior Afghan security source said: "First there was a suicide attack, later on a group of attackers started fighting."
He also confirmed there had been fighting close to a court and a bank, both of which had been "packed with civilians".
Local shopkeeper, Sayedo, told the BBC: "I heard a huge bang and when I looked I saw several attackers armed with light and heavy weapons running towards the bank and the court. I left my shop.
"There is blood and broken glass. There is a heavy exchange of gunfire and my shop has become a centre of the fighting.""There is blood and broken glass. There is a heavy exchange of gunfire and my shop has become a centre of the fighting."