Afghanistan: Hostage situation in Jalalabad July 31 /update 1

Event

Suspected Islamist militants have reportedly taken dozens of people hostage inside the  Department of Refugees and Returnees building, building, located in the the Chaharai Marastun area of Jalalabad (Nangarhar province). Two gunmen entered the building following a suicide bombing at the entrance gate an at approximately 11:40 (local time) on Tuesday, July 31. Detonations and gunfire continue to be heard from within the compound. Casualty rates are difficult to confirm at this time.

Afghan security forces have deployed to the area and security cordons are in place. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack for the moment, although the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) is suspected.

Context

A complex attack carried out at a midwife training center in Jalalabad on July 28, during which three people were killed and seven others wounded. The two assailants were both killed; one died when detonating a suicide bomb while the other was killed following an hours-long gun battle with security forces. ISKP later claimed responsibility for the attack

Advice

Individuals in Jalalabad are advised to avoid the area of the attack, remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

In general, 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