Serial blasts hit New Year celebrations in Kabul

Kabul, March 21: Several people were feared killed or injured after three blasts hit New Year celebrations near a shrine in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, witnesses said.

"We heard a huge blast at the main traffic circle in Jamal Mina neighbourhood at 9.30 a.m. and it was followed by two consecutive explosions," a man, Mohammad Jafar, told Xinhua news agency.

The bomb attacks came as Afghan security forces beefed up security across the country ahead of Nawroz Festival celebrations falling on Thursday which marks the Afghan New Year.

"The area was closed for traffic as New Year celebrations were underway in Sakhi shrine but the blasts occurred as a big crowd of people were walking toward the shrine," Jafar added.

Several warning shots were also fired by the security forces.

"There are casualties. We still cannot provide details," a police officer told Xinhua.