Loud explosion heard in central Kabul

The exact location was not immediately clear but there were reports it was a residential neighbourhood close to the ministry of defence.

The Reuters news agency said sirens had been heard from the US embassy compound, though the embassy said it was not affected.

The cause of the blast and any casualties were also not clear.

But it comes days after the Taliban announced the launch of its "spring offensive" of insurgent attacks.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

(BBC)