Afghanistan: Mosque attack kills 62 in Nangarhar October 18

Event

Two blasts were reported in a mosque in the Haska Meyna district of Nangarhar province at around 13:30 (local time) on Friday, October 18, killing at least 62 people and wounding 60 others. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the incident over the coming hours. Similar militant attacks are possible in Nangarhar province over the near-term.

Context

Taliban and Islamic State (IS) 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 developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments. The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.