Kabul: More than 14 people killed after gunman opens fire at Shia shrine
The militant was eventually killed by security forces. The attack took place on a religious day of mourning in the Afghanistan capital.
At least 14 people were killed in Kabul on Tuesday when a gunman opened fire at a Shia shrine in the Afghanistan capital. One police officer was among those who died in the attack, which took place on a holy day observed by the Shia sect. The attacker was eventually killed by security forces, Reuters reported.
Ministry of Interior Affairs spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi confirmed the attack, and said that more that 36 people were left injured at the Karte Sakhi shrine. The militant was reportedly dressed in police uniform. He detonated explosives after opening fire on the worshipers gathered to mark the holy day of Ashura, a commemoration of the death of prophet Mohammed's grandson Hussein. The attack has yet to be claimed by a militant group. The Taliban has denied any involvement in the incident.
Afghanistan's chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, condemned the attack, and said those responsible for the death of the innocent people will be held accountable. In 2011, worshipers were targeted on the same day in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. The attacks left 80 people dead.
