US condemns terror attack in Afghanistan

The US today condemned the "shameful" attack near a university in Afghanistan's capital Kabul that killed at least 29 people and injured over 50 others.

An Islamic State suicide bomber attacked a crowd of hundreds of people who had gathered to celebrate the start of Nowruz, the New Year festival.

The attack took place near Kabul University and a government hospital, about one kilometer away from the Sakhi shrine, where people had gathered to celebrate Nowruz.

"This shameful attack on a peaceful gathering to celebrate Nowruz has marred the new year with pain and tragedy.

"Our thoughts are with the families of the victims who were injured and killed, and we mourn all those who lost their lives in this senseless attack," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

"The United States stands with the people of Afghanistan, and we remain firmly committed to supporting the Afghan people's efforts to achieve peace, security and prosperity for their country," Nauert said.

The Islamic State (ISIS) group has claimed the bombing in which at least 29 people were reportedly killed and 52 others injured.

Many in the crowd were minority Shia, according to media reports.

Sectarian attacks on Shias have increased in recent years and many have been attributed to ISIS.

The Shia shrine has been attacked before. At least 14 people were killed in October 2016 as Shia Muslims prepared for a religious day of mourning during the festival of Ashura. A bombing in 2011 killed at least 59.

Both the Taliban and ISIS carry out attacks in Kabul.

The Taliban control large swathes of Afghanistan and ISIS terrorists hold sway in a much smaller number of districts.