Kabul attacks over

Afghan security forces in Kabul Monday reclaim a construction site taken over by insurgents after hours of intensive gun battles.

Forces could be seen snaking through the building before firing a hailstorm of bullets into the air marking their victory.

Defense Ministry Director of Operations, Afzal Aman.

(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT AFGHAN DEFENCE MINISTRY GENERAL AFZAL AMAN SAYING:

"Some 32 insurgents were involved in this terrorist attack, equipped with explosive waistcoat, in some strategic locations. Fortunately they were all eliminated and they failed to achieve their goals, we have killed all of them."

The fighting broke out on Sunday when groups of Taliban insurgents launched attacks against several locations in Kabul including NATO headquarters, several Western embassies and the parliament building.

But by Monday mid morning, the fighting was over and the attackers were dead.

Here in front of the parliament building, broken glass and bullet shells litter the streets.

(SOUNDBITE)(Dari) MEMBER OF THE AFGHAN PARLIAMENT, SHUKRIA BAREKZAI, SAYING:

"The purpose of these attacks was mainly to create fear in the people of Afghanistan. The insurgents wanted to show pictures of violence once again from Afghanistan to the world, their second goal was a strategic goal by attacking the parliament building, vice president's house and ministry of commerce. "

The assault is one of the most serious on the capital since U.S.-backed Afghan forces removed the Taliban from power in 2001, highlighting the militants' ability to strike even after more than 10 years of war.

Julie Noce, Reuters

1116-fighting update

1111-spokesperson defense

1119-parliament gunfire (exteriors)