Explosions, gunfire heard near US embassy in Kabul

KABUL: Several large explosions and bursts of gunfire were heard Sunday near theUnited States embassy in the Afghan capitalKabul, although the target was not immediately clear.

TheUSembassy sounded alarms and warned staff to take cover, AFP reporters heard from their office near the embassy in the Wazir Akbar Khan area, which houses many diplomatic missions.

A newly built hotel, the Kabul Star hotel, was reportedly on fire in an area which includes a majorUSmilitary base, the United Nations office and the presidential palace.

Reports were coming in of gunfire in other parts of the capital.