The launch of an ambitious peace plan that Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai hopes will persuade Taliban fighters to lay down their arms has got off to a shaky start.
The insurgents demonstrated their disdain by firing a rocket as Mr Karzai addressed a jirga, or traditional gathering, in the capital, Kabul.
He told the delegates not to panic, and continued his speech, but after gunfire was heard he left the gathering in an armed convoy.
There have been no reports of damage or casualties.
Witnesses now say helicopters are hovering over the site of the jirga.