On 7 October 2019, a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device in a rickshaw in Jalalabad as a minibus carrying Afghan Army recruits passed it. At least fourteen people were killed and 37 others were injured.
In the early afternoon of 7 October 2019, the explosive-laden rickshaw was driven close to a bus that was transporting dozens of new Afghan Army recruits; traveling to undergo basic military training. The target appeared deliberate, as insurgents frequently targeted recruitment convoys to disrupt military replenishment and erode security force morale. The powerful blast shook nearby homes and shops. News agencies reported that close-range civilians, including a child, were caught in the strike. Witness Rahim Jan described being âÂÂknocked to the groundâ by the shock and seeing âÂÂmany dead and wounded peopleâ strewn across the street.
The Nangarhar provincial government strongly condemned the 7 October 2019 Jalalabad suicide attack, a blatant act of terrorism aimed at destabilizing AfghanistanâÂÂs fragile security environment.
Although neither ISâÂÂKP nor the Taliban immediately claimed responsibility, analysts and local observers pointed to ISâÂÂKP as likely suspects. This inference is rooted in the groupsâ established history of carrying out similar highâÂÂcasualty attacks in Nangarhar province, particularly targeting security forces and recruitment convoys. Analysts emphasized that both ISâÂÂKP and the Taliban exhibited capabilities and motives consistent with the attackâÂÂs characteristics and timing.