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Hundreds still at large after Afghan jail siege

Afghan security forces ended a jail siege on Monday (August 3) during which around a thousand prisoners escaped.

More than 300 of them were still at large Tuesday (August 4).

At least 10 Islamic State fighters who attacked the prison in the eastern city of Jalalabad were killed by security forces.

The assault started on Sunday (August 2) evening after a car bomb was detonated at the prison entrance.

Gunmen overran the prison where many of their fellow militants were being held, along with Taliban fighters and common criminals.

A spokesman for the local governor said at least 29 others were killed, including civilians, prisoners, and members of the security forces.

A defense ministry statement said all of the 10 attackers died, though a provincial council member and a witness inside the prison told Reuters the number was likely around 30.

As the siege dragged through the day, the normally bustling city was placed under a curfew.

The violence comes at a sensitive time for Afghanistan as the United States attempts to usher peace talks between the Afghan government and the insurgent Taliban, who say they oppose Islamic State and have fought against them.