IRNA - Minister of Communications and Information Technology in a phone call extended condolences over death of Afghanistan Communications and Information Technology Ministry staff in recent suicide attack.

In his phone call with his Afghan counterpart Shahzad Aryobee, Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi slammed the suicide attack on the Afghan ministry.

He also condoled with Aryobee over death of 7 staff in the incident.

A loud explosion and follow-up gunfire were heard in an ongoing assault near the Afghan communication ministry in central Kabul on Saturday.

The blast followed by gunfire took place near the communications ministry building in one of the city's busiest areas.

An explosion followed by gunfire hit the center of the Afghan capital Kabul, close to one of the city's main hotels and the communications ministry building.

The explosion was also close to the heavily-fortified Serena Hotel, one of the few hotels still used by foreign visitors, in one of the main commercial areas of the city.