Taliban militants have carried out a car bomb attacknear the Russian embassy and Afghan parliament in the capital, Kabul, Press TV reports.
The explosionon Monday wasfollowed by gunfire between the militants and Afghan security forces.
Some gunmen have reportedlystormed the house of Naeem Baloch,the anti-Taliban former governor of Helmand Province, whichis located near the Russian embassy.
Taliban militants haveclaimed responsibility for the bombing, saying Baloch wastheirmain target.
Baloch, however,has reportedly escaped unhurt from the attack on his home. He had left his house 30 minutesbefore the attack.
Afghan media reports quoted local residents as saying that they heard two blasts. Four people were reportedly injured while nearby properties were damaged.
Families are also said to have been evacuated and security forces have cordoned off the roads leading to the scene of the explosions.
Power is purportedly cut in the area.
Afghanistan is gripped by insecurity nearly 14 years after the United States and its allies attacked the country in 2001 as part of Washingtons so-called war on terror.
Although the attack overthrew the Taliban, many areas across Afghanistan still face violence and insecurity.