Afghanistan: Blast Shakes Diplomatic District in Kabul

By Staff, Agencies

A large blast rocked the diplomatic district of Kabul on Monday, sending a plume of black smoke over the Afghan capital, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

According to Reuters witnesses, the sound shook their office building. Kabul police officials confirmed there had been an explosion, but gave no immediate details.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the blast hit a densely populated area where the ministry of defense is located.

Other news agencies mentioned that the explosion took place in an area near the US Embassy.

The explosion early Monday occurred as the streets in the capital were packed with morning commuters. Officials and police were at the scene of the blast and few details were available, including casualties.

Meanwhile, Kabul's chief police spokesman, Firdous Faramaz was unclear on the target or the type of explosive device.

Both the Taliban and Daesh [the Arabic acronym for terrorist ‘ISIS/ISIL’ group] operate in Kabul.

The attack came as the Taliban and the United States hold talks in the Middle Eastern state of Qatar, where the militant group maintains a political office.