1st LD: Explosion rocks diplomatic district in Afghan capital

An explosion and ensuing gunfire rocked a diplomat district in central Kabul on Friday evening, witnesses and sources said.

"A powerful blast took place at around 05:40 p.m. (local time) in Shairpoor locality. The blast was followed by several shots of gunfire," witness Mohammad Murtaza told Xinhua.

The incident might have been a coordinated group attack by militants, the witness said.

"The explosion took place near the Spanish Embassy. We still cannot provide details on causalities. There is fear of possible causalities," a security source told Xinhua, adding details will be revealed to public later.

Government troops cordoned off the area shortly after the blast, keeping people from gathering at the scene.

The attackers seemed to have followed old tactics which depend on creating an initial blast and seizing a building to engage with security forces and fire on nearby targets.

Shairpoor and the neighboring Wazir Akbar Khan gave house to several diplomatic compounds and high-ranking officials' residents.

No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack, but the Taliban routinely claim responsibility for such attacks. Enditem