Kabul, May 30 (IANS): Militants armed with guns and rockets attacked the Afghanistan Interior Ministry on Wednesday and casualties are feared, the media reported.

"We heard a huge blast at the first gate of the Ministry which is located near Charahi Shaheed Square. The blast occurred at mid-day. The whole place has now been sealed off," an eyewitness told Xinhua news agency.

"The initial information found that a suicide bomber detonated his explosive jacket in the front gate of the compound. Another group of militants tried to breach the facility," said a police officer.

"But the militants failed to reach the main building which is at the centre of the big open yard with a high-profile security system. We still cannot provide details on casualties," the officer added.

The number of the attackers remained unknown and sporadic gunfire still could be heard as of 1.00 p.m. The security forces cordoned off the area.

A four-line road connecting the Kabul airport with the city's Intercontinental Hotel was blocked for traffic after the attack.