Powerful explosion rocks Afghan capital

KABUL, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Casualties were feared Tuesday morning as a powerful blast went off in west of Afghan capital Kabul, witnesses said.

"A blast took place in Pul-e-Surkh area in western Kabul at around 9:10 a.m. local time Tuesday," a witness Farukh Shah told Xinhua.

The nature of the blast is not known at this span of time.

The explosion sent a thick black smoke above the area, the witness said.

The government troops immediately cordoned off the area shortly after the blast. Police are working to keep people from gathering at the scene for fears that there might be a second blast.

The incident took place hours before the country announces the final phase of security transition from U.S. and NATO troops to the Afghan army and police.

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