Attack on Indian consulate in Afghanistan leaves at least 10 dead

KABUL, Afghanistan -- An attack by militants Saturday on the Indian consulate in Jalalabad left at least 10 Afghans dead and raised new concerns about Afghanistan’s security once foreign troops depart next year.

Many of those killed were children in school in a nearby mosque, according to authorities. At least 20 civilians were wounded, along with an Afghan police officer. There were no casualties among the Indian consulate employees, officials said.

The Taliban denied it was responsible for the violence that occurred when three suicide bombers in a Toyota Corolla were halted by officers at the first checkpoint leading to the consulate, authorities said. Two of the perpetrators jumped from the car, one of whom detonated his explosive vest. A third militant detonated explosives inside the vehicle.

India condemned the attack, blaming “outside forces” without naming a specific party.

“This attack has once again highlighted that the main threat to Afghanistan’s security and stability stems from terrorism and the terror machine that continues to operate from beyond its borders,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The attack coincided with a global travel alert issued by the U.S. State Department warning of the threat of a possible terrorist attack by Al Qaeda or its affiliates. The U.S. also decided to temporarily close 21 embassies and consulates this weekend in the Middle East and several predominantly Muslim nations elsewhere, including Afghanistan.

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mark.magnier@latimes.com

Baktash reported from Kabul and Magnier from New Delhi.