Xinhua world news summary at 0030 GMT, Aug. 8

Casualties were feared after a powerful explosion rocked the western part of the Afghan capital Friday night, sources and witnesses said.

"A powerful blast shocked me as it took place at about 7:35 p.m. local time (1505 GMT) near the police academy building," witness Ahmad Farshad told Xinhua. (Afghanistan-Explosion)

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GAZA/JERUSALEM -- Israeli war jets struck on Friday night a training facility belonging to Islamic Hamas movement in central Gaza Strip, wounding two people, medics and security officials said.

Ashraf al-Qedra, Gaza health ministry spokesman, told reporters that two security men were lightly injured by the shrapnel of an Israeli missile which was fired at an area east of Nuseirat refugee camp in central part of the coastal enclave. (Israel-Gaza-Rockets)

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KHARTOUM -- At least six people were killed as heavy rains and floods hit two states in northern Sudan during the past hours, Sudan Tribune reported Friday.

"Four children were killed when high floods swept their home near a valley, some 50 km south of Merowe town in the northern state," the report said. (Sudan-Flood)

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HANOI -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh here on Friday as the two countries are celebrating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Hanoi wanted to see a faster development in economic and trade relations with Washington, Minh said, adding that Vietnam hoped that the United States would become the biggest trade partner and investor in Vietnam. (Vietnam-U.S.-Visit) Endi