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Breaking News

Explosions in Kabul, Afghanistan

Aired June 18, 2002 - 13:57   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news now. We want to take you live to Kabul, where our Gary Tuchman is standing by. He's been covering the Loya Jirga. Actually, he's joining us by phone. We understand there are explosion that's have taken place in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Gary, what can you tell us?

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, about 45 minutes ago, we were standing outside the house where the CNN employees here are staying, and we heard two loud explosions. We are being told by authorities here that the explosions went off close to the Kabul headquarters of the International Security Force, now as ISAF. Those are the international troops who are helping to keep the peace here in Kabul, which is a few miles away from where we're staying. At this point, authorities are not sure what the explosions are. They think, though, that they are either grenades or rockets let off.

They came from the northern part of the city. There are some hills to the north of Kabul. They certainly don't know who caused the explosions yet. There a lot of concern because of the loya jirga. That's the grand assembly that's been meeting here for the last eight days to try to form a new government here in Afghanistan. There's been a lot of concern there could be security issues involving Taliban or Taliban sympathizers. Everything has been relatively quiet until tonight.

Once again, two explosions going off tonight, landing near the ISAF -- International Security Assistance Force headquarters. As of now, there are no reports of casualties or damage. There's a lot of concern, because there are still 1,600 delegates from all over Afghanistan trying to make a legislature occur in this country, trying to get a presidential cabinet, trying to form that the government of Afghanistan, create a democracy.

Kyra, back to you.

PHILLIPS: All right, reality check there.

Gary Tuchman, not an easy thing to do. Right now, we'll continue to follow that story and check in with you as you get more information, new developments. Once again, two explosions just outside or in Kabul, Afghanistan, just next to the Kabul headquarters, where international troops are staying there, trying to keep the peace, as the Loya Jirga meets to try to form a new government in Afghanistan.

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