The insurgents hit the capital of Uruzgan in a deadly coordinated attack. Suicide bombers stormed the governor's compound and detonated explosives near the deputy governor's office. Gunmen and suicide bombers also tried to force their way into the headquarters of local militia leader Matiullah Khan. He's blaming foreign fighters for the violence.
--"This is our neighbors around Pakistan. They killed our national leaders inside Afghanistan. They want to have people to be their slaves."
The insurgents tried to enter from the neighboring compound of Afghanistan's national television station. Local journalist Omaid Khpalwak was killed. The 25-year -old worked for the BBC, an Afghan news agency and also freelanced for the ABC. His colleagues are deeply shocked.
--"I heard a heavy explosion at the national TV station. When we got there,Omaid had been killed. He was under the rubble and dust."
The blasts were followed by heavy exchanges of fire between insurgents and Afghan troops. The attack happened less than five kilometers from the main Australian military base at Tarin Kowt. The base has been placed on the highest state of alert. Australian commanders are in contact with local Afghan officials and military leaders.
--"But the base is safe and base was safe earlier today. We just with the things that were going on at Tarin Kowt. We took a look and thought what if, what next."
This is a really serious attack which raises questions about the level of security in Uruzgan. Insurgents were able to hit some of the most heavily-guarded compounds right in the heart of provincial capital. It took local security forces several hours to regain control.
The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack. President Hamid Karzai has condemned the latest bloodshed.
Sally Sara,ABC News, Kabul.
