Afghanistan: Suicide attack in Jalalabad (Nangarhar) September 11

Event

On Tuesday, September 11, a suicide bomber targeted a group of protesters that had gathered on the highway between the city of Jalalabad (Nangarhar province) and the main border crossing into neighboring Pakistan, killing at least 22 people and injuring dozens more. Hundreds of people were present when the blast occurred. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for this latest attack, which was carried out in a volatile province considered a stronghold of Islamic State (IS) fighters in recent years.

Context

Located on the eastern border with Pakistan (the Pakistani city of Peshawar is situated 120 km [75 mi] from Jalalabad), Nangarhar province in 2018 has so far been one of the most restive regions of Afghanistan, suffering a series of deadly suicide bombings and attacks, notably in the provincial capital Jalalabad (population 300,000).

Advice

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