Afghan Forces Battle Gunmen After Suicide Blast Near Pakistan Consulate

Afghan security personnel keep watch along a street after an attack from a building close to the Pakistan consulate in Jalalabad on January 13.

A suicide bombing followed by gunfire have rocked an area near the Pakistani consulate in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad.

Officials say at least two people were killed and another two wounded in the violence.

Reports say explosions could be heard as a battle raged on between security forces and gunmen.

Attaullah Khyogani, spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar, said the suicide bomber blew himself up after being prevented from entering the consulate.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last week, three militants were killed after a gunbattle following an attack on the Indian consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP