Explosion kills one child, injures five in Paktia, Afghanistan
Local officials in Paktia province report that a child was killed and five others were injured following the explosion of an unexploded rocket shell left from past wars.
Muneeb Zadran, spokesperson for the Taliban police in Paktia, stated that the incident occurred on Sunday in the Gol Ghundi area of Zazi Aryub district when children were playing with the shell.
According to the statement, all injured children, including a girl, were taken to the hospital. Three of the injured children are in critical condition, and all victims are around ten years old.
Afghanistan remains one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world, with leftover explosives from past conflicts continuing to claim lives, especially among children.
According to UNICEF, more than 500 children were killed or injured across Afghanistan last year due to landmine and unexploded ordnance explosions.
The presence of unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan continues to pose a serious threat to civilians, particularly children, who often unknowingly interact with these remnants of war.
Efforts to clear these explosives are crucial to preventing further tragedies and ensuring a safer environment for future generations in Afghanistan.
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