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Updated May 9th, 2021 at 07:30 IST

Afghanistan: At least 55 schoolgirls killed after bomb explosion in Kabul

A series of blasts occurred at a school in Kabul where at least 55 school girls lost their lives. Afghanistan's President has blamed Taliban for the incident.

Reported by: Bhavyata Kagrana
Kabul bomb blast
Image: AP | Image:self
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At least 55 innocent girls lost their lives after series of blasts occurred in a school in Kabul on Saturday. The incident took place near the Shiite district of west Kabul, the victims were of 11 to 15 years of age. Afghanistan President has laid the blame on the Taliban however the group has condemned the attack and denied any responsibility.

Ambulances evacuated the wounded as relatives and residents screamed at authorities near the scene of the blast at Syed Al-Shahda school, in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood, Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said. The bombing, apparently aimed to cause maximum civilian carnage, adds to fears that violence in the war-wrecked country could escalate as the U.S. and NATO end nearly 20 years of military engagement.

Residents in the area said the explosion was deafening. One, Naser Rahimi, told The Associated Press he heard three separate explosions, although there was no official confirmation of multiple blasts. Rahimi said the explosion went off as the girls were streaming out of the school at around 4:30 p.m. local time. Authorities were investigating the attack but have yet to confirm any details.

One of the students fleeing the school recalled the attack. 

"I was with my classmate, we were leaving the school when suddenly an explosion happened, “ said Zahra, whose arm had been broken by a piece of shrapnel.

“Ten minutes later there was another explosion and just a couple of minutes later another explosion,” she said. “Everyone was yelling and there was blood everywhere, and I couldn’t see anything clearly.” described Zahra who lost her friend. 

Outside the Muhammad Ali Jinnah Hospital, dozens of people lined up to donate blood, while family members checked casualty posted lists on the walls.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani issued a statement condemning the attack, blaming the Taliban even as they denied it. He offered no proof. The attack comes days after the remaining 2,500 to 3,500 American troops officially began leaving the country. They will be out by Sept. 11 at the latest. The pullout comes amid a resurgent Taliban, who control or hold sway over half of Afghanistan.

(With inputs from AP)

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Published May 9th, 2021 at 07:30 IST

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