1st LD: Explosions, gunshots rock Afghan capital

Casualties were feared as explosions and ensuing gunshots rocked a diplomatic district in the central part of Kabul Tuesday night, sources and witnesses said.

The incident took place in Wazir Akbar Khan, the diplomatic enclave, after explosions went off in the area. The first blast took place at around 11:07 p.m. local time (1837 GMT) which was followed by sporadic gunshots, a security source said.

"A terrorist attack is suspected, and several attackers have been involved in the firing which took place near a hotel frequented by the foreigners," a witness said, adding that the target of the attack might be a guest house near the Heetal Plaza Hotel.

The Afghan security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Endi