police spokesman Khalid Zadran said.

"Insurgent elements attacked a hotel in Shahr-e-Naw area of Kabul city at around 2:30 p.m. local time today, but the security forces in sharp reaction reached the area and began clean up operations," Zadran said in a message sent to Xinhua.

Without providing more details, Zadran added, "details would be shared later."

However, an eyewitness told local media that he heard two blasts and gunfire from a building.

Police have condoned off the area and don't allow journalists to get access to the site of the incident.

The blast, according to another eyewitness, took place near a Chinese guesthouse where a number of Chinese people have been staying.

In the meantime, the Chinese embassy said it attaches great importance to the incident and is closely monitoring the situation and taking relevant actions.