Nepal: Explosion outside Indian consulate in Biratnagar April 16

Event

A small-scale explosion was reported outside the Indian Consulate in Biratnagar - the industrial capital of Nepal, located 6 km (3.8 mi) north of the border of Indian Bihar state - on Monday night, April 16. No staff was present inside the consulate building at the time of the blast. The explosion, which took place at 20:20 (local time), left a hole in the complex's compound wall. Local authorities suspect a local political group, which had called for a general strike in Biratnagar April 16, to be behind the blast. 

Context

According to assessments by several Western governments, the terrorist threat is relatively high in Nepal, with attacks targeting places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers possible. The British government recently warned of threats made by a local group against businesses and schools (both local and international) in the Kathmandu Valley.

Advice

Individual present in Nepal are advised to be vigilant in public places and to report any suspicious activity to local police.