Two middle schools destroyed in western Afghanistan

Two middle schools in the Shindand district of Herat Province were destroyed on Wednesday when four armed men planted explosives in them, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported, citing Pajhwuk Afghan News.

The men planted the bombs around midnight and no one was killed or injured in the incident. However, several classrooms and educational materials were destroyed.

According to the article: “Insecurity and violence, including targeted killings of teachers, education officials, and students, continue to plague the education system in Afghanistan, forcing schools to remain closed and children to stay at home.”

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Suicide bombing in Afghanistan’s Helmand province kills eight

Four policemen and four civilians were killed today in a suicide bombing at a police station in Helmand Province, Agence France Presse reported.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack and has since vowed to increase attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, which began on September 13.

The bombing trails a September 11 attack in Helmand that killed 29 people in one of the deadliest Taliban strikes since 2001.

Helmand, where illegal opium is widely cultivated, has seen the some of worst violence since 2001. According to the article, “The unrest has claimed more than 5,000 lives this year, according to an AFP count based on reports, with the violence focused in southern and eastern areas adjoining Pakistan. Nearly 4,000 of the dead are militants themselves.”

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