Afghanistan: IS-claimed VBIED attack wounds seven in Jalalabad April 29

Event

On Sunday, April 29, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack was carried out near a voter registration center in Jalalabad (Nangarhar province), wounding at least seven people. Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) claimed responsibility for the attack, which reportedly took place around 09:00 (local time). Additional IS-KP attacks near voter registration centers are possible in Afghanistan in the coming weeks in advance of parliamentary and local district elections slated for October.

Context

IS-KP is active in Afghanistan and has carried out several attacks in the country in recent months. Notably, IS-KP carried out a suicide bombing attack on a voter registration center in Kabul on April 22, killing at least 69 people and wounding around 120 others. IS-KP also launched a suicide bombing attack on the Shi'a Kart-e-Sakhi shrine in Kabul on March 21, killing at least 33 people and wounding 65 others.

Advice

Due to major security concerns in the country, individuals throughout Afghanistan are urged to keep a safe distance from large gatherings, military convoys, government buildings, and crowded urban areas. Many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to the high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, including frequent attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, local civilians and politicians, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.