At least 28 people were killed and more than 320 injured after a huge explosion hit Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Tuesday. The blast, which the Taliban have claimed responsibility for, was close to several Afghan government buildings and security agencies, as well as the United States embassy. Last week, the Taliban had announced the start of its “spring offensive” against government forces, which normally marks the start of a fresh fighting season.

An Afghan official told The Guardian that it was a suicide bomb attack. The massive blast came during rush hour in the capital. "This was one of the most powerful explosions I have ever heard in my life,” Obaidullah Tarakhail, a police commander told Associated Press. Tarakhail said he could not see or hear anything for up to 20 minutes after the blast.

The ministry of defence, headquarters of the country’s Nato-led mission and the presidential palace are also close to the blast site. The palace has condemned the attack “in the strongest possible terms”. Sediq Sediqqi, spokesperson for the Afghan Interior Ministry, said the suicide attack was followed by gunfire, and that the area has been surrounded by security forces.