Suicide attacks have targeted Afghan military bases in two cities, leaving 13 members of the security forces dead, along with at least five assailants.
In the northern city of Kunduz, suicide bombers stormed an army recruitment centre, sparking a long gun battle.
On the outskirts of Kabul, attackers ambushed an army bus outside the country's main recruitment centre.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks, which President Hamid Karzai called "criminal".
Correspondents say the attacks were clearly aimed at deterring Afghans from joining the huge drive currently under way to build up the domestic security forces.
The recruitment centre in Kunduz came under attack from at least four suicide bombers - who early reports suggested were dressed in army uniforms, AP news agency quoted the provincial deputy governor Hamdullah Danishi as saying. more info
UN chief Ban rejects call for Ivory Coast troop pullout
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has rejected a call for UN troops to leave Ivory Coast as tensions escalate after last month's presidential election.
Incumbent Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo had earlier demanded that all foreign peacekeepers leave the country.
His spokesperson accused UN and French troops of colluding with former rebels.
The UN and major powers have recognised Mr Gbagbo's rival, Alassane Ouattara, as the winner of the 28 November poll. Mr Gbagbo insists he has won.Mr Ouattara is currently under UN protection at a hotel in Abidjan.
In a statement read out on national television on Saturday, government spokeswoman Jacqueline Oble said Mr Gbagbo had "requested the immediate departure of the Unoci [UN mission] and the French forces supporting it. more info
