KABUL: A large bomb exploded near the Indian embassy in the center of the Afghan capital yesterday, killing 12 people and wounding 83, the Interior Ministry said.

The blast tore through a market building across the street from the heavily fortified embassy compound, leaving rubble and debris strewn across the road, where the Afghan Interior Ministry is also located.

India said its embassy had been the target of the attack but that all its staff were safe. Ambulances and other emergency vehicles could be heard rushing to the blast site.