The Taliban claimed responsibility for a large explosion in the Afghan capital (Kabul) Monday night, just hours after a US envoy briefed the Afghan government on an agreement "in principle" with the insurgent group that would see 5,000 US troops leave the country within five months.

Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahmi said at least five civilians were killed and around 50 wounded, but said the toll could still rise because a number of homes were destroyed. He confirmed that the target of the blast was the Green Village compound, which houses several international organisations and guesthouses. The explosion sent a plume of smoke into the night sky over Kabul and caused a nearby gasoline station to burst into flames.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a large explosion in the Afghan capital (Kabul) Monday night, just hours after a US envoy briefed the Afghan government on an agreement "in principle" with the insurgent group that would see 5,000 US troops leave the country within five months.

Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahmi said at least five civilians were killed and around 50 wounded, but said the toll could still rise because a number of homes were destroyed. He confirmed that the target of the blast was the Green Village compound, which houses several international organisations and guesthouses. The explosion sent a plume of smoke into the night sky over Kabul and caused a nearby gasoline station to burst into flames.