Large blast rocks Afghan capital

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There has been a large explosion during the morning rush hour in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Local police told the BBC the blast was a suicide bombing near the Indian embassy, opposite the country's interior ministry in the city centre.

Ambulances were carrying away wounded from the scene. Initial reports say a number of people may have been killed.

There has been a sharp increase in Afghan violence in recent months, though mainly in the south and east.

Smoke was seen rising from the scene of the blast as police cordoned off the area.

Witnesses said the bomber appeared to have targeted people queuing for visas.

The BBC's Martin Patience in Kabul says there has been no claim of responsibility yet but the Taleban have vowed to step up attacks in the capital.

PHOTO CAPTION

A wounded man stands at the site of a suicide car bomb blast in Kabul July 7, 2008. (Reuters)

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