Explosions heard near Afghan presidential palace

KABUL, Afghanistan — A series of explosions and gunfire have been heard outside the presidential palace in Kabul, one of the most heavily guarded areas in the Afghan capital.

Reporters gathering for an event early Tuesday with President Hamid Karzai counted at least a half dozen explosions outside the eastern gate of the palace but it was not immediate clear whether it was a suicide bomb attack, hand grenades or both. Small arms fire also could be heard.

Police had no immediate comment.