A Tokyo-based nongovernmental organization said it has instructed staff members sent to Afghanistan but currently on a business trip to Pakistan to remain there following an explosion in Kabul early Wednesday.
Peace Winds Japan, which is involved in international peace activities, said Hiromitsu Suzuki, 25, and Ahmed Hasan, 50, were dispatched to Afghanistan on Aug. 30 and then sent to Pakistan on Sept. 5.
Hasan is a Kurdish refugee who lives in the Netherlands and is currently applying for citizenship there.
"We took precautionary measures as it has been difficult to confirm facts such as whether the explosion has connections with the terrorist acts in New York," a Peace Winds Japan representative said.
CNN broadcast live video showing an explosion in a possible missile attack on the Afghan capital of Kabul early Wednesday morning, local time. It was followed by footage of antiaircraft fire.
Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden, who is suspected of being connected with Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the U.S., is thought to be in Afghanistan. A Pentagon official, however, said the attack was not U.S. retaliation.