JALALABAD – At least 10 people were killed after gunmen stormed aneducation department compound in Afghanistan’s east on Wednesday, officialssaid, sparking an hours-long battle with security forces in the latestattack in the restive region.
Ten others were wounded in the second attack in Jalalabad city in as manydays, Nangarhar provincial governor spokesman Attaullah Khogyani said in astatement.
It is not clear how many government workers were trapped inside thebuilding during the fierce gunbattle between security forces and militantsthat has now ended.
“So far 10 bodies have been recovered and taken to local hospitals. Tenpeople have also been wounded,” Khogyani said.
An AFP reporter at the scene confirmed seeing 10 bodies inside thecompound. He also saw the remains of what officials said were the bodies oftwo attackers.
The sound of gunfire followed by a “big explosion” that shattered windowsalerted Qari Samiullah to the fact that an attack was under way near hisshop.
“I left my shop and ran when I heard a second explosion,” Samiullah toldAFP. “Smoke came out of the building and all the people started to runaway.”
Shir Mohammad was inside a nearby shop when the gunmen launched theirattack.
“I heard gunfire which was followed by an explosion and then intensegunfire,” Mohammad told AFP.
A security guard employed by the education department branch was among thedead, Khogyani said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for theraid.
Local teachers had been delivering exam results from their schools to theoffice when the gunmen attacked, provincial education department spokesmanAsif Shinwari told AFP.
“Quite a few teachers are inside the building,” Shinwari added.
Jalalabad’s education department was also attacked by gunmen exactly amonth ago. At least 10 people were wounded then. Nangarhar’s provincialcapital has seen an uptick in violence in recent weeks, with the IslamicState group claiming most of the attacks.
On Tuesday, a suicide attack in the city killed at least 12 people andignited a nearby petrol station, with witnesses describing screamingvictims “swallowed” by flames.
The bomber was targeting Afghan security forces when he blew himself up.Ten civilians were among the dead.
IS claimed that attack via its Amaq propaganda agency. – APP/AFP