Afghanistan: Explosion near a school in Kabul injures at least 42

Tuesday 18 - 15:30

An explosion occurred on Monday at a school in Kabul, injuring at least 42 people, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama). All the victims are children, aged nine to 14 years.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown. Authorities and the United Nations have not yet determined whether it was a deliberate attack or an accident caused by the detonation of a munition or an abandoned device from decades of conflict that has ravaged the country.

The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of the tragedy adds to the concern in a capital where the population remains exposed to the consequences of Afghanistan's long military history.

An explosion in a violence-prone neighborhood

The incident took place in an area of Kabul where the Hazara community primarily resides. This minority has been the target of several deadly attacks in recent years.

The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, quickly condemned what he described as a “hate attack” near the school.

This statement came before the exact nature of the explosion was established.

The lingering shadow of past wars

One of the scenarios being studied by the United Nations is that of an accident caused by explosive debris from the successive conflicts that have marked Afghanistan.

Even after the end of many military operations, the country continues to face the presence of unexploded ordnance and remnants of old war devices. These remnants pose a particular threat to civilians, especially children, who may come into contact with objects whose danger is difficult to identify.

The explosion thus serves as a reminder that the consequences of wars can continue to inflict casualties long after the fighting has ceased.

An investigation necessary to determine the circumstances

For now, the available information does not allow for a precise determination of the origin of the explosion. Unama has not confirmed that it was a bombing.

This distinction will be essential to understand the circumstances of the incident and determine any potential responsibilities.

While awaiting further details, the priority remains the care of the injured children and securing the site to eliminate the potential presence of other dangerous devices or munitions.

A new alert for civilians

The tragedy occurs in a country where civilians continue to suffer the consequences of decades of conflict. Children are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with unexploded ordnance, while some communities remain exposed to the threat of attacks.

The Kabul explosion thus illustrates a dual threat: that of violence potentially targeting civilian populations and the more silent threat of remnants of war still present in the daily environment.

Until the circumstances are established, it remains impossible to say which of these two threats is behind the tragedy.