Large blast targets foreign convoy in Afghanistan's capital Kabul

Kabul, Afghanistan: A large blast ripped through central Kabul targeting a foreign military convoy on Tuesday, the first major attack in the city for weeks as politicians try to end a stalemate over the result of presidential elections.

The explosion occurred near the main entrance to the heavily fortified US embassy at about 8:00 am (0330 GMT) during heavy rush-hour traffic, causing at least several casualties, an AFP photographer said.

At the side of the road, foreign troops gave first-aid to some passengers in the convoy, but the nationality of those involved was not known.

At least one vehicle from the convoy was destroyed by the blast, which was also close to the Supreme Court and a military base.

It shook nearby buildings and set off siren alarms at the US embassy as emergency vehicles raced through the streets to the scene, which is one of the busiest intersections in the Afghan capital.

The two presidential candidates in the election on Monday held talks on ending the stalemate over who won the June 14 election to replace President Hamid Karzai, who has ruled since the fall of the Taliban.