Blasts disrupt Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s swearing-in ceremony

A series of blasts disrupted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s swearing-in ceremony as he was delivering a speech Monday. The blasts and gunfire could be heard from the central garden of the presidential palace in Kabul where hundreds had gathered to watch the ceremony.

Attendees began to flee the area as the blasts were heard, and Ghani was rushed away from the scene by security forces. Ghani escaped unhurt, according to his spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. Initial reports suggest three mortars targeted the inauguration grounds, according to a security official. The official said he did not yet have information about casualties.