Jirga continues despite Taliban attack

Afghanistan's gathering of tribal leaders is continuing despite an attack by Taliban suicide commandos.

The three day peace conference or jirga will discuss a two-pronged plan to seek reconciliation with senior Taliban figures while offering to re-integrate foot soldiers into society through jobs and cash incentives.

President Hamid Karzai announced the audacious plan on Wednesday, but his speech was interrupted by an attack by Taliban insurgents.

Officials said three rockets fell just metres short of a vast tent where the traditional jirga was being held, followed by a gun battle that went on for hours.

Three insurgents breached a security cordon by disguising themselves with the all-enveloping burqa worn by many women in Afghanistan.

Two gunmen were killed and one arrested, officials said.