Jailbreak as IS fighters launch attack

JALALABAD, Afghanistan: A gunbattle between Islamic State fighters and Afghan security forces raged at a prison in the city of Jalalabad yesterday, with at least 24 people killed after the militants’ overnight assault led to a mass jailbreak.

The attack began on Sunday evening with car bomb detonated at the entrance to the prison. Numerous other blasts were heard as the IS gunmen opened fire on security guards.

About 30 militants were involved in the attack on the prison, where 2000 prisoners were held.

Three militants were killed during the initial attack and gunbattle overnight, while at least 21 civilians and members of security forces died in the fighting, and 43 were wounded, Attaullah Khugyani, a spokesman for the governor, said.

Police were forced to divert manpower to recapture escaped prisoners amid the chaos. About 1000 had been caught, Qaderi said.

IS claimed responsibility for the attack. — Reuters