Explosions hit Afghan capital Kabul after John Kerry visit

At least two explosions hit the diplomatic zone of Kabul on Saturday, shortly after visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry left following meetings with Afghan officials, including President Ashraf Ghani.

The blasts, apparently from rockets, occurred after Kerry's visit had ended and his plane was preparing to take off from Bagram Airfield outside the city. Gunshots were also heard. 

The renewed conflict came following a period of relative calm in the Afghan capital.

Kerry's unannounced visit to Kabul was intended to demonstrate support for the national unity government headed by President Ghani, victor of the disputed election of 2014, and his runner-up Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

Ghani's government has been weakened by infighting between rivals, the economy sinking and the resurgent Taliban stronger than at any time since they were toppled from power in late 2001.

The political deal brokered by Kerry in 2014 led to Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah sharing power, in an arrangement that is scheduled to end in September 2016, The prospective end has fueled political manoeuvring in Kabul.

But Kerry expressed confidence that the power-sharing deal would continue, saying an Afghan-led, Afghan initiated reform agenda was being implemented.

"So in our meetings today we also reviewed the process of implementing our $800-million new development partnership" Kerry said.

"This initiative, I am convinced, will promote stability, (and) accountability by linking funds to specific reforms that promote the rule of law, encourage private sector growth and enhance womens' rights."