Afghanistan serial blasts: Taliban claims responsibility, 6 dead

New Delhi: Shortly after a surprise visit by US President Barack Obama to Afghanistan early on Wednesday morning on the anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death, serial bomb blasts and a suicide car bomb attack rocked Kabul killing six people including one Gurkha guard. The blasts occurred near the foreign military bases in Afghanistan.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed it in a phone call with Reuters. The Taliban struck just after Obama announced that US troops are close to beating the al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

An Afghan police official said three explosions went off in the eastern part of the capital, and were followed by sporadic shooting. There were no immediate details of casualties.

An Afghan police official said 3 explosions went off in the eastern part of the capital, and were followed by sporadic shooting.

Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying that there were no reports of any Indians amongst causalities in Kabul. Indian Embassy in Kabul is also monitoring the situation.

This is the first major blast in Kabul after April 15. Kabul police chief confirmed that the target of the multiple explosions was Green Village complex. He said that the blasts were followed by gunfire.

The US Embassy and the green zone diplomatic area is reportedly now in a lockdown.

Obama marked the anniversary of the al Qaeda chief's death with a surprise visit to the country, signing a strategic pact with Kabul and delivering an election-year message to Americans that the war is winding down.

Shortly after arriving under the cover of darkness, Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed a strategic partnership agreement at the Afghan leader's palace that sets out a long-term US role in Afghanistan, including aid and advisers.

Obama also met US troops in Kabul and assured them that by the end of 2012, they would all be home.

Reuters sources heard an explosion and police said they were investigating a blast in eastern Kabul.

Obama left earlier after making a televised address to Americans from Bagram Air Base north of the capital.

A US embassy warning system urged staff to stay away from windows and take cover. The embassy is in the main diplomatic area in the centre of the city.

With Additional Inputs from Agencies

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)