The government said the attacks were carried out by seven militants, including five suicide bombers, although Al Jazeera reported that about 30 fighters wearing suicide vests and using AK-47s and grenades had taken part.
The Arabic news channel quoted a Taliban spokesman as saying the fighters were targeting government buildings, police stations and checkpoints across the city.
Other reports said the militants had taken hostages, but it was not clear how many and whether they were civilians or government officials.
U.S. and Afghan forces are searching the city for any remaining militants involved in the attack.
The latest reports say the militants are holed up in a government building, surrounded by U.S. and Afghan security forces.
