Bombing Outside Afghan School Kills at Least 50, With Girls as Targets

KABUL: SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 – The death toll from three bomb blasts outside a girls’ secondary school in Kabul, Afghanistan, has risen to 50, police say.

According to police, more than 100 people were injured in the blast that took place outside Syed Al-Shahda Secondary School at 4 pm on Saturday.

A Kabul police spokesman, Fardous, said the initial stage of the blast looked like a car bomb. The other two blasts were caused by landmines, said Fardous.

The bomber struck shortly after noon as students were walking home from school. Most of the victims are estimated to be school children. Police said that pedestrians were also killed or injured.

The Taliban, Afghanistan’s largest insurgent group, has denied any involvement. The Taliban has accused Islamic State of involvement in the incident.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has condemned the attack. He also directed the health authorities to make arrangements for the best treatment of the injured. – XINHUA