JALALABAD, Aug 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) – At least 13 civilians and three attackers were killed, and 42 others wounded, in a car bomb attack and gunfight in a prison, in Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar provincial capital, Jalalabad, provincial government spokesman, Attaullah Khogiani, confirmed today.
“Sporadic fighting between the security forces and gunmen continued throughout the night. The fighting is still ongoing inside the prison and a nearby building, where gunmen took position,” Khogiani said, adding that, 13 civilians and three attackers have been killed and 42 wounded persons have been taken to hospital.
According to the official, the security forces have foiled the attempts of some 700 inmates, who were attempting to escape the jail.
The attack took place last night, the last day of the three-day Eid al-Adha ceasefire, between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
The Taliban outfit has denied involvement in the deadly attack.
Khogiani also said, the attack started after “a terrorist detonated a car bomb at the front gate of Nangarhar prison at 06:30 p.m. local time Sunday, in provincial capital, Jalalabad,” destroying the front wall of the building, followed by gunfire between a group of assailants and prison guards.
Fighting has been continuing, the official said, adding, the security forces have been trying to control the situation with minimum casualties.
The Daesh group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
More than 1,500 people, including 300 Daesh militants, have been languishing at the jail in Jalalabad city, 120 km east of Kabul.– NNN-AGENCIES
