BAGHDAD, Nov. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- A loud explosion rocked central Baghdad on Thursday, sending column of smoke rising above the protected Green Zone, witnesses said.

    Black smoke could be seen rising over the area north of the Green Zone complex which houses the offices of Iraq's interim government, the US and British embassies, according to the witnesses.

    The US military had no immediate comment on the incident.Residents west of the Baghdad said they heard successive loud explosions as a plume of black smoke rose in the horizon to the far west of the city.

    People were seen gathering on the rooftops of their houses to watch the blast as two helicopters flew overheads towards thescene.

    Also on Thursday, a loud explosion rocked the Green Zone as black smoke rose above the heavily fortified complex. Helicopters were seen flying over the area. Enditem