There are reports of explosions around Kabul.
Bombs are believed to have fallen in the north of the city in the area of the airport.
Two bombs are believed to have been dropped near a TV station in Kabul.
Three other explosions in the eastern, western and northern parts of Kabul followed soon after.
Other strikes are under way at the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, according to a Taliban official.
A spokesman for the rebel alliance fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan's north says Taliban positions around the city of Mazar-e-Sharif are under attack by aircraft and missiles.
The targets in Kabul are unclear. However, the western section includes a television transmission tower, and the airport is in the north.
The abandoned Balahisar Fort is in the eastern district. There is anti-aircraft fire over the Afghan capital.
Taliban gunners have responded with heavy bursts of fire. One high-flying plane could be seen dropping flares before the detonations.
Power was immediately cut throughout the city. It also appears the Taliban are firing surface-to-surface missiles, presumably toward opposition forces about 12 miles north of the city.
Taliban radio is ordering residents to close the blinds on their windows, shut off all lights and remain indoors.