Kabul: At least 100 students lost their lives in a suicide bombing at a tuition centre in Kabul.
According to local journalist Bilal Sarwary, most of the students in the area are from the minority group Hazaras, who have often been targeted by Islamic State (IS) militants.
The students had been sitting for a practice exam when the bomber struck.
“We have so far counted 100 dead bodies of our students. The number of students killed is much higher. Classroom was packed. This was a mock university entrance exam, so students could prepare for the real one,” Sarwary tweeted.
The blast took place at the Kaaj education centre in Dasht-e-Barchi area, in western Kabul, reported BBC, which said there were 20 casualties while 30 were wounded.
“Students were preparing for an exam when a suicide bomber struck at this educational centre. police spokesman Khalid Zadran had said.
With most girls’ institutes having been shut after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, Kaaj education centre is one of the few private colleges where both male and female students are enrolled.
According to eyewitnesses, there were around 600 boys and girls in the room when the attack took place.
The US condemned the attack.
“The US strongly condemns today’s attack on the Kaaj Higher Educational Center. Targeting a room full of students taking exams is shameful; all students should be able to pursue an education in peace & without fear,” tweeted Karen Decker, charge d’affaires at the US mission to Afghanistan.
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