Afghanistan: Suicide attack on political rally in Nangarhar October 2

Event

Initial reports indicate that at least seven people were killed in a suicide attack on Tuesday, October 2, in the Kama district of Nangarhar province during a rally held by a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Some 25 others have reportedly been injured. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for this latest attack, carried out in a volatile province considered a stronghold of Islamic State (IS) fighters in recent years.

Context

Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held nationwide on October 20; they were initially meant to be held over three years ago but have been repeatedly delayed due to ongoing security concerns.

Further such attacks can be expected to take place in the run-up to the elections, which the Taliban and IS have vowed to disrupt.

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.