Kabul education centre explosion injures dozens of children

An explosion at an education centre in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of Kabul injured dozens of children on Monday. Reports indicate that at least 42 children, aged between nine and 14, sustained injuries during the incident.

Local residents reported that the blast occurred near a private primary school for boys and girls as students were being dismissed. While Kabul police described the event as a “hand grenade explosion” resulting in minor injuries, other reports suggest a higher number of casualties.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett have called for a full and independent investigation to determine whether the blast was a deliberate attack or an accident. While the Islamic State has historically targeted the Shiite Hazara community in this district, no group has officially claimed responsibility for this specific incident.