Militants kill aid workers in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — Gunmen stormed a compound housing a European-run charity on Tuesday, killing at least nine people in one of the deadliest attacks on humanitarian workers in Afghanistan since insurgents took up arms after Taliban rule was toppled in 2001.

The victims, all Afghans employed by Czech Republic-based People in Need, were sleeping when the attack took place in Afghanistan’s northern Balkh Province shortly after midnight.

According to security officials, the assailants overpowered the guards and shot the victims multiple times. In a statement, People in Need announced the suspension of work in Afghanistan while it re-evaluates security.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but officials suspect it was carried out by militants affiliated with either the Taliban or Islamic State.

Last month, the Taliban killed 15 people, including 10 foreigners, when it stormed a hotel in Kabul. Many of those killed were aid workers.

Both militant groups have recently begun stepping up their attacks in northern Afghanistan, which has been one of the most secure areas in the country.