The Taliban has claimed responsibility for an early-morning attack near the presidential palace in a heavily guarded area of the Afghan capital Kabul. A Taliban statement said one of the targets was the Ariana Hotel, which houses a CIA station. The attack came as journalists gathered for a news conference where President Hamid Karzai was expected to discuss efforts toward peace talks with the Taliban. Reporters said they ran for cover as militants opened fire and detonated a vehicle bomb. The exact number of casualties is unknown, with reports as many as four attackers and three guards were killed. Meanwhile, in southern Afghanistan a roadside bomb killed 11 members of a family, including eight women.