Afghan blast kills one

A bomb has exploded in the centre of the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing a security guard and destroying several small book shops.

The blast happened late on Saturday evening near the Ministry of Information and Culture.

Taleban officials said they believed the guard was trying to plant the device when it exploded.

The blast is the latest in a series of explosions to hit Kabul this month.

The Taleban blame saboteurs from the opposition for the blasts which they say are aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear and panic among the residents of Kabul.

The opposition deny any involvement.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service