Blasts rock Afghanistan's Jalalabad, several killed

At least four people were killed and more than 20 injured after three explosions ripped through the Afghan provincial city of Jalalabad. All of the casualties were believed to be civilians.

Jalalabad:Three explosions ripped through the Afghan provincial city of Jalalabad on Monday, killing four people and wounding another 20.

All of the casualties were believed to be civilians, said Nangarhar's governor, Shah Mahmood Miakhail.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed grave concerns about the increase in violence around the country during the first week Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting from sunrise to sunset.

Both the Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate operate in Nangarhar province, of which Jalalabad is the capital.

Over the past year, the US has stepped up its air strikes in the area to try to dislodge IS fighters.

The explosions took place in Jalalabad's city centre, but the target was not immediately clear.

In recent months, the Taliban have stepped up their attacks, inflicting staggering casualties on Afghan forces, and now hold sway over half the country.

The US, meanwhile, has accelerated efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the 17-year war - America's longest conflict - and has pressed for direct talks between the Taliban and Kabul.

The Taliban have rejected an offer by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government for a cease-fire during Ramadan.