Afghanistan: Suspected IS suicide bombing kills 68 in Momand Dara Sep. 11 /update 1

Event

Suspected Islamic State (IS) militants carried out a suicide bombing attack in Momand Dara district (Nangarhar province) on Tuesday, September 11, on the highway between Jalalabad and the Pakistani border, killing at least 68 people and wounding 165 others. The apparent target of the attack was a peaceful protest denouncing a police commander. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, IS regularly carries out similar attacks on security forces and civilians in Nangarhar province and the Taliban has denied any involvement; separate militant attacks also targeted three schools in the province on Tuesday.

Additional IS attacks are possible in Nangarhar province, including in the Jalalabad area, in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The Islamic State (IS) group frequently carries out attacks in Jalalabad and surrounding areas despite concerted efforts by US and Afghan forces to degrade IS territorial control in Nangarhar province. Notably, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing attack in Jalalabad which killed at least seven people on August 25.

Advice

Individuals in Nangarhar province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

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.