At least11 people were killed after a few gunmen, including suicide bombers, stormedinto a religious gathering of Sikhs in Kabul, Afghanistan, and opened fire. TheIslamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident took placearound 7.45 AM Afghan time and came to light after Afghanistan's InteriorMinistry received a call from a worshiper inside the Gurdwara in Kabul's oldcity asking for help. At least 150 Sikh worshipers were present at the religioussite and more than a dozen were injured.

Afghan forces havecleared the first floor of Sikh worship area in Kabul, where security forcesare fighting terrorists. Many people who were trapped inside the building havebeen evacuated. Rescue operations are still underway and the police are trying todislodge the attackers.

Over the decades, Sikhshave faced widespread discrimination in the Muslim country and have beenrepeatedly come under the attacks of Islamic extremists.