UPDATE 1-Kabul blast shakes area around defence ministry

A large blast rocked the diplomatic district of Kabul on Monday, sending a plume of black smoke over the Afghan capital, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Reuters witnesses said the sound shook their office building. Kabul police officials confirmed there had been an explosion, but gave no immediate details. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the blast hit a densely populated area where the ministry of defence is located.