TALIBAN ATTACKS NATO IN KABUL: On The Scene Reports

A big explosion has rocked the Afghani city of Kabul. The reports at the moment can not pin point the location, but according to CNN's Atia Abawi's tweets, it is an area near ISAF HQ. She writes "Watching smoke rise in an area near ISAF HQ"

David MacDougal tweets claim that the explosion is in the area where there are many embassies, including the US embassy.

He reports "Cell phones knocked out in Kabul. Not possible to reach anyone to ascertain immediate info about blast here."

Steven L. Herman of Voice Of America, is saying that the explosion was heard on Saturday 8:30 am local time. It is reportedly a suicide car bomb.

Herman tweets, "The blast was loud and shook window of my hotel -- definitely not a sonic boom or rocket."

Will try to keep you updated as the story developes.

UPDATE:

The new reports claim that the explosion was near the British and American embassies.

Hospitals are treating casualties, among them children, yet no fatalities have been reported as of yet.

Peter Bergen, CNN Terrorism Analyst, says that the bomb blast felt like someone loudly shutting the door right next to him. He was miles away at the time of the expolsion.

UPDATE:

Steven Herman: "NATO confirms blast in Kabul was near ISAF gate. There are wounded, including children. Afghan officials confirms at least 3 dead, 14 injured in apparent suicide bomb blast near NATO HQ, embassies. Tolo TV: Video shows small fire at scene. Some cars destroyed."

Capt. Michael Wikstrom: ""IED at ISAF(NATO) Headquarters this morning. Casualties coming in. Shook my building hard. Alot of kids hang out at the gate. So very sad."

UPDATE:

Steven Herman: "Injury toll from Kabul blast outside NATO ISAF HQ climbing. But only few fatalities confirmed. Reuters: Taliban claim responsibility for Kabul blast, say target was US Embassy. (If that's so, they missed but managed to maim some kids). Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman says 3 dead, 70 wounded in Kabul blast on Sat. morning outside NATO ISAF HQ."

Pajhwok, a nationwide news agency covering Afghanistan: "Taliban spokesman: 'attacker was resident of Bagrami district of Kabul, we put 500 kg explosives in this car'"

"Witness to car bomb says he saw 2 dead bodies, 6 injured including 3 women; blast in front of Transport Ministry"

UPDATE:

Atia Abawi: "Victims and victims families at hospital say today's blast made their decision, they will NOT vote bc they are too scared."

"'They call themselves Muslims, but a Muslim doesn't kill Muslims, what they are doing is deplorable.' -60yr old victim injured in blast"

"Injured scattered about the hospital, men, women and children."

"Several injured ISAF service members bc of blast, no word on any deaths."

ISAFmedia: "NATO Approves Intermediate Headquarters for Afghanistan"

Steven Herman: "US Embassy spokesperson in Kabul tells VOA News no damage to compound nor to any Embassy personnel from car bomb blast nearby."

"I spoke with US Embassy's Fleur Cowen who says she heard the Kabul blast in her ofc but didn't feel it. All Embassy personnel safe."

"Hawa Nuristani, female member of Parliament and Karzai supporter, wounded in Kabul suicide blast. Her condition is stable."

"LA Times' Laura King: NATO main gate usually guarded by Macedonian soldiers who are relatively exposed to the street."

"LA Times: Kabul bomber drove dark SUV of type commonly driven by civilian contractors. Might explain why it was allowed to approach."

Capt. Michael Wikstrom: "IED near main gate. Kids hang out there to sell things to us. I am afraid that many were killed and hurt."

"No US or Coalition casualties. All the insurgents do is hurt the Afghan people. I expect more of this before the elections this week."

"Sadly, many of the injured will die due to the catastrophic injuries as well as the poor quality of care here. I know some of these children"

Headlines India reports, "The Indian embassy in Kabul escaped damage when a suicide bomber exploded in the Afghan capital today. All Indian nationals are safe, official sources here said. Around 4,000 Indians are working in Afghanistan in reconstruction projects supported by New Delhi. A powerful bomb outside the Indian embassy last year killed over 50 people including two Indian diplomats and two Indian security personnel.

So far there are 91 injured and 7 dead.

Here is a link to a New York Times Photographer that was on the scene of the blast, great photos http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/08/15/world/asia/20090815-AFGHAN_index.html