An Afghan policeman
© ReutersAn Afghan policeman
A huge explosion has occurred near the German consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, officials say. Mass casualties are feared as a result of the incident, for which Taliban took responsibility.

NATO troops have been deployed to the scene, a German military spokesman told Reuters, confirming that shots had been heard outside the consulate. Alliance troops are now investigating the blast, he added.


At least one person died in the incident, according to some reports. At least 28 people have been injured, according to local freelance journalist Bilal Sarwary, citing a medical source.


A truck laden with explosives was detonated outside the consulate, which is also close to a hotel and a guest house, stated reports which cited local authorities.


Residents said they heard a "huge" blast, which shattered the windows of nearby buildings.

The Taliban has taken responsibility for the bombing. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the attack was a revenge for the last week's airstrike in Kunduz that killed about 30 civilians, Dutch BNO news reports.


The gunfire is reportedly continuing. Some of the assailants managed to gain access to the consulate, according to some witness reports on Twitter.