An Afghan official says at least three gunmen wearing military uniforms have attacked a Shiite shrine in Kabul and taken an unknown number of people hostage.

Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesman for the Interior Ministry, said on Tuesday that one of the gunmen has been shot dead by police.

"Three militants have attacked Sakhi shrine shooting at people," said Sediq Sediqi, a spokesman for the Afghan Interior Ministry, adding that security forces were engaging with the militants.

The Public Health Ministry spokesman, Ismail Kawasi, says 18 people have been wounded and taken to hospital.

Sediqqi says two other gunmen are still inside Sakhi Shrine, the biggest in Kabul.

Shiites will on Wednesday commemorate Ashoura Day, the climax of a month of mourning for the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Iman Hussain, in 680 AD.

Kabul police had warned Shiites against large gatherings as attacks were expected. A July attack on Shiite Hazaras killed at least 80 people.