Afghanistan: Rocket attack in Kabul targets Presidential Palace

By Nathan Morley

An Afghan security statement said at least three rockets landed near the palace, disrupting an outdoor prayer ceremony attended by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

The attack was heard across the heavily fortified Green Zone that houses the palace and several embassies, including the American mission.

There were no injuries and the rockets landed outside the palace grounds, according to the Interior Minister.

It was the first rocket attack on Kabul since the Taliban launched a series of offensives to coincide with the final drawdown of foreign troops which is scheduled to be complete by the end of next month.

The last major assault on the presidential palace took place last year when hundreds of people gathered to watch President Ghani's inauguration ceremony.

Earlier this week, fifteen diplomatic missions in Afghanistan urged the Taliban to halt their military offensives.

The call came less than a day after rival Afghan sides failed to agree on a ceasefire at a peace meeting in Doha.