Kabul's 'foreign base' hit by Taliban

A huge explosion has rocked the Afghan capital Kabul.

Witnesses said it was heard across most of the city about 01:25 local time on Monday (20:55 GMT Sunday).

Reports say it was caused by a lorry bomb at the North Gate compound housing foreign contractors and four attackers may be involved. The Taliban said it carried out the attack.

There is no word about casualties. Power in parts of Kabul was briefly cut off shortly after the explosion.

Gunfire was also heard at the scene of the blast, reports say, and police and security forces later sealed off the area.

North Gate, which is close to the US-run Bagram air base, is a heavily guarded compound.

The facility was attacked by militants three years ago.

Earlier reports suggested that Monday's blast was in a gas storage facility.

Last week, two suicide bombers linked to the so-called Islamic State (IS) killed 80 people and wounded 230 more in Kabul.

Author: 
BBC