Casualties Feared As Blast, Gunshots Heard in Kabul

Casualties were feared as a blast and ensuing gunshots were heard in downtown Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on Monday.

The explosion, according to eyewitnesses, took place near a Chinese guesthouse, Xinhua reported.

The blast was followed by gunshots, eyewitnesses said, adding the building caught fire and smoke was billowing from the guesthouse.

The Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan said it was closely monitoring the situation and taking relevant actions, an official from the embassy said.

Afghan officials have yet to make comment on the incident.

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 Taliban security forces eliminated three militants that attacked the hotel in Kabul, Taliban Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Zabiullah Mudjahid said Monday.

"The attack on the Kabul hospital ended with death of three attackers. All hotel visitors were saved, no foreigners died. Two foreign guests were injured by falling from height," Mudjahid tweeted.