Blast, gunfire heard as attackers enter Afghan ministry

An explosion hit the center of the Afghan capital Kabul and unidentified attackers appear to have entered a multi-storey building of the communications ministry, officials said.

"The information that we have is four attackers have placed themselves near the communication ministry and are engaged in gun battles with the Afghan security forces," Amanduddin Shariati, a security official in Kabul, told AFP news agency.

Gunfire could be clearly heard by witnesses in the city center, but the area around the site was cordoned off by security forces.

A witness quoted by the Tolo News television channel said attackers appeared to be fighting security forces on the first floor of the ministry headquarters.

Local television footage showed a small plume of smoke near the ministry, and people climbing out of the windows on a lower level.

Interior Ministry Spokesman Nasrat Rahimi confirmed there had been gunfire around the ministry of communications and information technology, but provided no further details, according to Khaama Press.

"Around 11:40 am [07:10 GMT], an explosion was heard near the communication ministry, and sporadic fires have also been heard in the area," Rahimi added.
One security official, who declined to be identified by name, announced that the initial blast appeared to have been caused by a suicide bomb at the entry to the ministry.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

EA