Kabul mosque attack: Suicide bomb explosion and gunmen launch assault on Imam Zaman mosque in Afghan capital

Blast occurred as worshippers gathered for prayers

Police are trying to evacuate the worshippers from the mosque (Omar Sobhani/Reuters)

At least 14 people have been killed and injured after gunmen attacked a Shia mosque in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday.

A blast was reportedly followed by gunfire as worshippers gathered for Friday prayers at the mosque in Qala-Najara.

The cleric who performed the prayer service has been killed, as well as a security guard outside, according to initial reports.

Mir Hussain Nasiri, a member of Afghanistan's Shiite clerical council, said gunmen have taken over the portion of the mosque with the separate prayer areas for men and women.

Police official Mohammed Jamil told the Associated Press the gunmen are still inside the mosque.

Jamil said Afghan security forces have surrounded the mosque but are not advancing or pushing into it to prevent more casualties.

Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last month, Isis claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing and gun attack which targeted the Iraqi embassy in Kabul.