Afghanistan: Explosion reported at government building in Jalalabad City September 18

Event

Media reports indicate that a suicide bomb was detonated at an electronic identity card distribution center after a group of at least four gunmen stormed the building in Jalalabad City's District 3 (Nangarhar province) on Wednesday, September 18. Security forces have been reportedly deployed to the scene to rescue government employees in the building and to secure the immediate area. At least seven people have been reported injured, though that number is likely to increase. Details are emerging.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for this attack.

Sources indicate that secondary devices following an initial explosion have become common in Afghanistan.

Context

Taliban militants launch attacks on government personnel, security forces, and civilians in Afghanistan on a near-daily basis. Such assaults are, in part, intended to undermine the perceived capacity of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) - and the Afghan government more broadly - to adequately provide security in the wake of the withdrawal of most US-led NATO forces from the country.

Advice

Individuals in the Nangarhar province are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the affected area, liaise with their security partner, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.