Sources in western Kabul say that the Taliban have detained Salim Samim, the principal of the “Shama Hedayat” school, along with two teachers from the school. The school was the site of an explosion on Monday.
A source told local media that the fathers of two students, a neighborhood representative, and two local residents were also detained. According to the source, the local residents were arrested over damaged security cameras in the neighborhood. One of those detained was identified as “Dr. Nader.”
The source said the individuals were detained by the Taliban on Tuesday (August 18) and remain in custody.
At around 4:30 p.m. on Monday (August 17), an explosion occurred inside the compound of the private Shama Hedayat School in Mahdiya Township, in Kabul’s 18th security district.
According to United Nations figures, 42 children were injured in the explosion.
There are conflicting accounts regarding how the explosion occurred.
Following the incident, a source told Etilaatroz that a grenade had been thrown into the school compound from the alley opposite the school after the students had been dismissed from their classes.
Khalid Zadran, the Taliban-appointed spokesperson for Kabul’s police command, also said the explosion was caused by a hand grenade.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesperson, likewise described the incident as a “hand-grenade attack” and said investigations were underway to determine how the attack occurred and to identify and arrest those responsible.
However, media outlets close to the Taliban and the BBC reported that the previous day’s explosion was caused by explosive material carried by one of the students. According to these reports, the material was remnants of explosives from the war and had apparently been found by a student on the hills surrounding the school.
The explosion has drawn widespread reactions. The United Nations has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Schools and educational institutions in Kabul’s predominantly Hazara-populated western neighborhoods have repeatedly been targeted in deadly attacks. ISIS has claimed responsibility for most of these attacks.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
