Kabul explosion

Kabul's 'foreign base' hit by Taliban

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.

Kabul explosion: Islamic State 'admits attack on Hazara protest'

The IS-linked Amaq news agency said two fighters "detonated explosive belts at a gathering of Shia" in Kabul.

The attack in Deh Mazang square targeted thousands from the Shia Hazara minority who were protesting over a new power line, saying its route bypasses provinces where many of them live.

The Taliban have condemned the attack.

Spokesperson Zabiullah Mujaheed sent an e-mail to the media saying they were not behind it.

Self-styled IS has a presence in eastern Afghanistan but has not previously admitted carrying out assaults in the capital.

Kabul explosion targets Hazara protest - 20 dead and scores hurt

The blast hit Deh Mazang square as thousands of people from the Hazara minority marched to demand changes to the route of a planned power line.

They are angry that the route bypasses areas with large Hazara populations.

The cause of the blast is unclear, although TV channel Tolo cited reports that a suicide bomber was behind it.

No-one has yet said they carried out the attack.

 

'Death to discrimination'