Kabul: A massive explosion struck central Kabul during rush hour on Friday evening, followed by bursts of gunfire, according to AFP reporters, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
The blast occurred in the city's affluent Sherpur area, said Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid, but he could not offer any other details. Sherpur is home to controversial former warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, Afghanistan's first vice-president.
"Kabul Police are at the area of explosion, we will be releasing details as it emerges," tweeted interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes as the resurgent Taliban escalate attacks against government and foreign targets.
Security officials cordoned off the streets and ambulances with wailing sirens were seen rushing to the scene.
The attack follows a 27-hour Taliban siege this week of Kandahar airport, the largest military installation in southern Afghanistan, in which at least 50 people died.
