Afghanistan: IED attack in Jalalabad June 13

Event

An IED (improvised explosive device) attack was carried out around 05:00 (local time) on Wednesday, June 13, outside a market in the PD2 area of Jalalabad (Nangarhar province). At least one child was killed and seven people injured. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Both the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS) are present and active in Afghanistan.

Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) is active in Nangarhar province and has recently carried out deadly attacks in the area. Notably, on May 13, suspected IS-KP militants killed at least 15 people and wounded some 42 others in a coordinated attack on the Jalalabad Customs Finance Department building. More recently on June 8, an armed attack in the home of a lawmaker in Jalalabad killed four people and wounded five others.

On April 25, the Taliban issued a statement announcing the launch of their annual spring offensive, which coincides every year with the arrival of warmer weather that allows militants to move more easily over Afghanistan's mountainous terrain. The group launched multiple attacks in Kabul, Badghis, Farah, and Ghazni provinces throughout April and May, killing dozens of security forces and civilians. However, the group has agreed to adhere to a ceasefire during the observance of Eid Al-Fitr. The government announced the ceasefire will run June 12-20; the Taliban have not announced any specific dates.

Advice

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.