Afghanistan ? Militants firing rockets and automatic rifles attacked the Afghan president at a ceremony in Kabul on Sunday, missing their target but killing three and wounding eight others.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assault that sent President Hamid Karzai and foreign ambassadors scurrying for cover, underscoring the fragile grip of his U.S.-backed government.

Gunmen opened fire as a 21-gun salute echoed over the capital at an anniversary ceremony to mark the mujahedeen victory over the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.

The president was hustled away, surrounded by bodyguards, and left in a convoy of four black SUVs.

U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton said the assassination attempt shows that the U.S. has failed to give proper attention to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan needs to get “as much, if not more attention” than Iraq, she said.