Kabul, Aug 15 (DPA) A large explosion rocked Kabul Saturday causing numerous casualties near the headquarters of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force and in the neighbourhood where the presidential palace and the US embassy are located.
Local Tolo television reported 60 people were killed and injured, including foreign nationals.
The blast occurred five days before Afghanistan conducts the second direct presidential election in its history and amid security concerns for the voting during an escalating insurgency by Taliban militants.
A large cloud of smoke rose above Kabul after Saturday’s explosion, which occurred in an area that is difficult to enter because of tight security.
Afghan officials could not immediately comment on what caused the blast.
rounak