Powerful explosion rattles Kabul

The Afghan capital of Kabul was hit by a powerful explosion apparently caused by a suicide bomber Tuesday.  The number of casualties is not clear.

The blast happened near several government ministries and military offices, shattering windows several kilometers away and sending a large plume of black smoke in the air.  Witnesses say gunfire was heard in the area within moments of the bombing.

The hardline Taliban group claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack.  The Taliban has engaged in an insurgency against Afghan’s western-backed government since it was driven from power by U.S.-led forces in 2001, shortly after the terrorist attacks in Washington and New York.

The Taliban announced last week it was beginning its annual warm weather fighting season.