Sporadic fires and an explosion were heard near the communication ministry in Kabul KABUL: A loud explosion and gunfire was heard in central Kabul on Saturday, in a blast Afghan officials said occurred near the communication ministry. “Around 11:40 am (0710 GMT) an explosion heard near the communication ministry, and sporadic fires have also been heard in the area,” said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi. The communication ministry is located in downtown Kabul, about two kilometers (1.25 miles) from the green zone.