Blast near high-security compound in Kabul kills 4

KABUL: At least four people were killed and more than 50 wounded when a bomb-laden car blew up near a highsecurity compound in the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday, officials said.

An Afghan government security official said the blast occurred on Jalalabad Road in eastern Kabul near the Green Village compound, home to several international companies and charities. "Most of the victims were civilians," said Najib Danish, an interior ministry spokesman. Police spokesman Basir Mujahid said a vehicle full of explosives had been detonated. "The area is cordoned off ... and search operation underway for suspects and attackers"

"It was a powerful car bomb that knocked (down) a wall between Green Village and the customs office," a security source said. A senior interior ministry official said the explosion destroyed at least three checkpoints. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The latest attack comes as US special peace envoy for Afghanistan was touring the region for meetings aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan.