Mortars hit public gathering in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan

Multiple mortars hit a public gathering in the Afghan capital Kabul leaving three people dead and dozens wounded, an official confirmed Thursday.

Top politicians including former President Hamid Karzai were present at the event organized to mark the 24th death anniversary of ethnic Shia Hazara politician Abdul Ali Mazari.

A number of current presidential candidates such as Mohammad Haneef Atmar, Abdul Lateef Pidram and Ahmad Wali Masoud were also present at the open air facility.

The Health Ministry has confirmed the casualties.

Nusrat Rahimi, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, told Anadolu Agency the rockets came from a residential house, which was later identified and sealed by police.

Daesh, through its Amaq propaganda website, claimed responsibility for the attack aimed at the Afghan Shia Hazara community

The community has been at the hit list of pro-Daesh militants who have staged many deadly assaults in the past.