Kabul, Afghanistan – On Monday afternoon a hand grenade detonated near a school in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood of the Afghan capital, wounding a large number of children. Police spokesman Khalid Zadran confirmed that “a number of children” were injured and said an investigation is under way, though he did not release further details.
Casualties and community impact
Afghan media outlets reported that roughly 50 children were hurt in the blast. The area is predominantly inhabited by the Hazara ethnic minority, which makes up about 9% of Afghanistan’s population. Hazara families have historically faced persecution and targeted violence, often because they are Shiite Muslims in a largely Sunni country.
United Nations special rapporteur for Afghanistan Richard Bennett condemned the attack on Tuesday, calling it a “heinous attack harming numerous children near a school.” He urged an independent investigation to hold those responsible accountable, writing on X that the incident was “deplorable” and that the Hazara part of Kabul had been targeted once again.
Historical context
The Dasht-e-Barchi district has been the site of previous attacks. In May 2021, just months before the Taliban seized power, three bombings at a Kabul school killed dozens, primarily Hazara children and young women. Those attacks were attributed to extremist groups, including the Islamic State.
Since the Taliban takeover, security in Kabul has remained fragile, with frequent reports of bombings, kidnappings, and targeted assaults on minority communities. The UN and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that the lack of a stable security apparatus leaves civilians, especially children, vulnerable to such indiscriminate violence.
Response and next steps
Kabul police have launched an investigation, but details on suspects or motives have not yet been disclosed. International observers, including the United Nations, are calling for a transparent inquiry and for measures to protect schools and minority neighborhoods from future attacks.
Local community leaders have expressed grief and anger, urging both the Taliban authorities and international partners to prioritize the safety of children and to address the underlying sectarian tensions that fuel such attacks.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges facing Afghanistan’s civilian population, particularly minority groups, as the nation grapples with insecurity, limited governance capacity, and the humanitarian fallout from years of conflict.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
