42 Children Injured in Devastating Kabul Explosion; Calls for Investigation Mount

On Tuesday’s explosion in western Kabul, 42 children were injured. Amnesty International and UNAMA have called for an independent investigation into the incident.

Explosion in Kabul; 42 Children Injured in Tragic Incident

In an explosion on Tuesday, August 26, in the Mahdiya neighborhood of Kabul, 42 children ages 9 to 14 were injured. This event has been confirmed by UNAMA, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. The explosion was caused by a hand grenade and occurred in the city’s 18th security district.

Amnesty International and UNAMA have urged for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident. UNAMA expressed its condolences to the injured children and their families and highlighted the urgent need to ensure the safety of schools and educational institutions.

Injured Children’s Condition and Security Concerns

Khalid Zadran, spokesperson for the Taliban’s security command in Kabul, announced that investigations into the details of the explosion are ongoing. Some reports have indicated that the number of injured may be as high as 52 children. An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that most of the injured were girls participating in a cultural program at their school.

The eyewitness further shared that the condition of the injured at Imam Zaman Hospital was mostly stable, with concerns only for three or four individuals. He stated, “I arrived at the hospital approximately half an hour after the incident, and the condition of the patients was much better than I had anticipated.”

Global Reaction and Concerns Over Similar Attacks

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, also called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion thus far, though ISIS-Khorasan has previously taken responsibility for similar attacks in the area.

Amnesty International described the incident in Dasht-e-Barchi, a neighborhood predominantly inhabited by Hazara people, as deeply concerning. The organization has also urged Taliban authorities to ensure the safety of civilians and ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan.