Multiple Explosions Rock Kabul

The Safi Landmark Hotel

A complex attack is being  mounted on the capital this morning, starting two hours ago at around 6 am local.

The initial explosion appears to have been set off in the City Center part of town, about three blocks from Afghan Desk HQ. People in the area say that the attack was on the Safi Landmark Hotel and judging by the location of the smoke, this seems about right.

The first explosion rattled windows in the neighborhood and sent a huge column of black smoke into the sky. It was followed by two smaller explosions. Sporadic gunfire is popping off in the streets around my home as I write this, though appears to be tapering off now.

Today is the prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) birthday, a national holiday in Afghanistan. The area would normally be packed with people, but at 6 am on a holiday the streets are empty.

The Safi is a modern hotel of glass and concrete construction with a roof-top restaurant and shopping mall on the first floor.

UPDATE: Just heard another loud explosion, this one sounded farther off. I’ll post more as I learn it.

UPDATE 2: From private security firm bulletin: “Sources on the ground report IED…in vicinity of Safi Landmark Hotel…initial reports indicate five injured.

UPDATE 3: All clear and quiet here, 8:45 am local.