International Calls Grow for Probe Into Kabul School Blast

DID Press: Countries and international organizations have condemned the explosion at the private Sham-e Hedayat School in western Kabul and called for a comprehensive investigation to identify those responsible.

The explosion occurred in Dasht-e Barchi, a predominantly Hazara area of western Kabul. School officials said 52 female and male students were injured, while the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed that at least 42 children aged 9 to 14 were injured in the incident.

Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Syria and Saudi Arabia were among the countries that condemned the explosion. UNAMA, UNICEF, Amnesty International and the European Union also expressed concern and called for an investigation and stronger protection for educational facilities.

UNAMA said schools and educational institutions must remain safe environments for children and free from violence.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, said the blast was caused by a hand grenade and that Taliban authorities had launched an investigation. No further details about the investigation or its findings have been released.