ABC News(JALALABAD, Afghanistan) — At least three people were killed and 12 others were injured in an attack on a children’s organization in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday, authorities said.

A vehicle packed with explosives was detonated outside the office of Save the Children in Jalalabad. Three men then stormed the office with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades, officials told ABC News.

The attack began around 9 a.m. local time, according to Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the provincial government.

The Taliban has denied involvement in the attack.

Carolyn Miles, president & CEO of Save the Children, said in a statement Wednesday, “It is with profound sadness that we can confirm three Save the Children staff members were killed earlier today in an attack on our office in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. All other staff have been safely rescued from the office. Four were injured in the attack and are receiving medical treatment. Save the Children condemns this attack in the strongest possible terms. We are shocked and appalled at the violence, carried out against our staff in Afghanistan who are dedicated humanitarians, committed to improving the lives and wellbeing of millions of children across the country. We are doing everything we can to ensure all of our staff get the support they need in the aftermath of this devastating incident.”

London-based Save the Children has operated in Afghanistan since 1976, aiming to provide better access to education, health care and essential supplies.

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