Explosion in front of Kabul Esteghlal Hotel

Security officials in Kabul say an explosion took place in the 15th district of the city.

Khalid Zadran, a spokesman for the Taliban police headquarters in Kabul, said an explosion had taken place in front of the Esteghlal Hotel in the 15th district of the city.

He added that one person was injured in the blast and taken to hospital.

A spokesman for the Kabul police command, however, did not comment on the nature of the blast.

Meanwhile, some sources in Kabul say the blast occurred as a memorial service was being held for the anniversary of the assassination of former Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Mansour at the Esteghlal Hotel.

The Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the blast by issuing a statement.