Terrorism

Taliban bomb hits madrassa in Laghman, killing children studying Koran

Salaam Times and AFP

Children receive medical treatment in a hospital after a Taliban truck bombing in Alishang, Laghman Province, on October 16. [NOORULLAH SHIRZADA / AFP]

Children receive medical treatment in a hospital after a Taliban truck bombing in Alishang, Laghman Province, on October 16. [NOORULLAH SHIRZADA / AFP]

JALALABAD -- At least three people were killed, including one child, and dozens wounded when a Taliban truck bomb detonated Wednesday (October 16) near a madrassa in Alishing District, Laghman Province, Afghan officials said.

The early morning attack, allegedly targeting a police station, partially destroyed the madrassa and 21 children were among the wounded.

The "terrorist Taliban once again showed their barbaric face," Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said in a tweet. "Three people including two security forces were killed and 27 were wounded."

"The students were wounded by flying glass," AFP cited Rahimi as saying.

Laghman Deputy Governor Shahzada Mazlumyar (right) visits a wounded child at the Mehtarlam hospital October 16. [Provincial media office/Facebook]

Laghman Deputy Governor Shahzada Mazlumyar (right) visits a wounded child at the Mehtarlam hospital October 16. [Provincial media office/Facebook]

The blast was "huge and loud", said Ezatullah, 10, an injured survivor.

"I was in class with my friends reciting the Koran when we saw a red truck rushing toward us," he told AFP. "For a moment everything went dark, and when I woke up, I found myself in the hospital."

Six police officers were wounded.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast in a statement sent to media. The bomb killed and wounded dozens of Afghan security personnel, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed without evidence.

Children suffering from terrorism

As the violence continues in Afghanistan, its impact on children has been disproportionate.

The number of attacks against Afghan schools tripled last year compared to 2017, according to the United Nations (UN) Children's Fund. By the end of 2018, more than 1,000 Afghan schools had been shut down by the conflict.

The number of child casualties resulting from the war in Afghanistan continues to surge, according to the fourth Report of the United Nations Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict in Afghanistan, published on October 2.

The report recorded 14,202 grave violations against children throughout Afghanistan between 2015 and 2018.

"Of serious concern, the killing and maiming of 12,599 children was verified, representing almost a third of all civilian casualties and an increase of 82% in child casualties compared with the previous four years," the report said.

Do you like this article?

0 Comment

Comment Policy * Denotes required field 1500 / 1500