MOSCOW (Sputnik) — A blast near the Indian and the Pakistani diplomatic missions in the Afghan city of Jalalabad in the Nangarhar province on Wednesday killed at least 5 police officers and left 11 people injured, according to a security source as cited by Afghanistan's broadcaster TOLOnews.
#PakistanConsulate attack Jalalabad still ongoing. 5 policemen killed so far, 11 injured including a consulate staff member: source
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) January 13, 2016
Shortly after the blast, gunmen started exchanging fire with Afghan security forces. Clashes still continue in the area, the source told TOLOnews.
BREAKING NEWS: Explosion and gun fire heard near Pakistan consulate in Nangarhar. Officials still to confirm.
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) January 13, 2016
All Indians at the consulate were reported to be safe, according to Indian media.
Earlier in the day, TOLOnews reported that at least four people have been killed and two injured in the blast. Three schoolchildren were also injured in the explosion, TOLOnews reported.
#PakistanConsulate target of Jalalabad blast. 4 policemen at mission killed in initial suicide bombing. Clashes continue inside consulate
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) January 13, 2016
#Afghanistan Blast: 4 police & 2 civilians were killed in a suicide attack in #Jalalabad near consulates of #Pakistan #india & #Iran sources
— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) January 13, 2016
All Indians at the consulate were reported to be safe, NDTV reports.
According to other media reports, at least four people have been killed and two injured in the blast. The Iranian diplomatic mission in the city could also reportedly be affected.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
