WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Armed suicide bombers have attacked a mosque in the Afghan capital and may be holding hostages, the US Embassy in Kabul said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The US Embassy in Kabul has received reports that several heavily armed suicide bombers entered Karte Sakhi Mosque (PD-3) and may have opened fire on parishioners," the statement said.
The assailants are believed to have hostages, the Embassy added.
Afghanistan's health ministry said at least 18 people were injured after gunmen opened fire at the Karte Sakhi Mosque, which is a Shiite shrine.
Parishioners had gathered at the mosque ahead of the Shiite holy day of Ashura.
Initial news reports said at least eight people had been killed in the attack.
