Local sources in Panjshir say that four children, including two girls and two boys from the same family, were seriously injured in a mine explosion in Rukha District of the province.
According to the sources, the incident occurred yesterday in one of the areas of Rukha District. The children reportedly came into contact with a mine while playing near a lake, causing an explosion that injured all four of them.
Local sources added that the condition of one girl and one boy among the children is critical, and they have been transferred to Kabul for further medical treatment and care.
Residents of the area say the mine had been planted near the lake by armed individuals. Local sources have attributed responsibility for planting the mine to the Taliban; however, this claim has not been independently verified.
Panjshir was considered one of Afghanistan’s relatively secure provinces over the past two decades. However, following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the province has witnessed armed clashes and extensive military operations.
The Taliban took control of Panjshir in 2021 following clashes with opposing forces. Since then, reports have emerged of arrests, mistreatment, and pressure on residents of the province.
The incident comes amid continued threats to civilians, particularly children, posed by landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other explosive remnants of war in parts of Afghanistan.
Children are among the most vulnerable groups to such incidents because of their limited awareness of the dangers posed by landmines and unexploded remnants of war. Every year, a number of children are killed or injured as a result of these explosive hazards.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
