Serious clashes between Afghan security forces and armed assailants are underway in Jalalabad city.

A number of assailants stormed Jalalabad prison on Sunday evening and engaged in clashes with Afghan security forces, the interior ministry said.

The clashes started after a car packed with explosives went off at the entrance of the government-run prison.

Afghan security forces have gunned down three attackers so far, but the clashes are underway between security forces and several other assailants, Provincial Governor Spokesman Attaullah Khogyani said.

21 individuals including civilians, prisoners and army soldiers have been killed and 43 have been injured so far, Khogyani added.

According to Khogyani, security forces also managed to round up around 1,000 inmates who had seized the opportunity to break the prison and flee.

Jalalabad prison is located in the fourth district of the city.

Arezo News – Salimi