Unknown gunmen attacked the education department in Jalalabad city in eastern Nangarhar province early Wednesday, officials confirmed adding that they have now taken hostages.

Axar.az reports citing Tolo News.

Officials confirm security forces have arrived at the scene but clashes are still ongoing.

The attack took place at about 9:30 am local time in PD5 of Jalalabad city, after a number of gunmen stormed the department and opened fire, a spokesman for the provincial governor, Attaullah Khoghyani confirmed.

He said it was not yet clear how many gunmen were involved nor how many people are trapped inside the building or being held, hostage.

In the meantime, Asif Shinwari, a spokesman for the Nangarhar education directorate, who was not in the building at the time of the attack, confirmed that one watchman has been killed in the shooting.

Security forces have also cordoned off the area.

Special Forces were also seen arriving in the area not long after the attack started.