KABUL – A loud explosion and follow-up gunfire were heard near the Afghancommunication ministry in central Kabul on Saturday, officials said.
The blast occurred a day after talks collapsed between the Taliban andAfghan representatives, but no one claimed immediate responsibility andthere was no immediate word on casualties.
Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said an explosion was heard nearthe communication ministry around 11:40 am (0710 GMT), followed by sporadicgunfire.
Intermittent firing could still be heard more than 30 minutes after theblast, and the area had been cordoned off by security forces.
The communication ministry is located in downtown Kabul, about twokilometres (1.25 miles) from the green zone.
Read Top Stories
The explosion comes the week after the Taliban announced their annualspring offensive and amid ongoing fighting across Afghanistan.
The Afghan branch of the Islamic State group has also previously carriedout multiple deadly attacks in Kabul. -APP/AFP
