By Xinhua,
Kabul : A suicide car blast Monday morning took place near Indian embassy in Afghan capital, killing five people, an official said.
One guard of the embassy and four civilians were killed in the explosion at around 8:30 a.m. local time, Afghan defense ministry spokesman Zahir Azimi told Xinhua.
A Xinhua reporter saw the huge blast damaged nearby compound walls and roadside shops. Several ambulances were shifting bodies of victims out of the scene while foreign troops and Afghan police have cordoned off the area.
Witnesses believe the fatalities will be high as the explosion took place during the rush hour near a main road used by many people. Local TV channels have put the figure of killed and injured as high as over 15.
Interior ministry spokesman could not be reached for comment sofar.
There has been no immediate responsibility claim.
Insurgency has gained pace over the months across Afghanistan where the outgoing month saw the fiercest clashes this year between anti-government elements and Afghan troops backed by international forces.
The Taliban, who went into insurgency since being routed from power six and half years ago, have been expanding their influence from the traditional bases in the south and east to the west and north.
Last year 8,000 people died in Afghan violence.