Explosion shakes central Kabul

A large explosion, reportedly targeting a security department, shook the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Friday.

The explosion took place in central Kabul near the Public Protection Force department, a police source said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying their target was a building used by the CIA.

Gunfire was heard after the explosion, witnesses said.

A group of armed men started firing on a security department in Kabul, police said.

“The attackers have occupied a nearby building and are firing on the security department,” said General Mohammad Zahir, chief of Kabul police criminal investigation department.

He did not specify the security department but said police were responding to the attack. “I am sure we will take the area under control soon,” he said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said: “A number of mujahedin attacked a refuge used by CIA officials in Kabul as well as a department of the Interior Ministry.”

“First, a mujahed detonated his explosives-laden car at the entrance of the CIA building and opened the way for others,” he said, adding that other attackers entered the building and started exchanging gunfire with guards.