Grenade Explosion Near Kabul School Injures Over 50, Renewing Safety Concerns

A grenade explosion near a private school in Kabul has left over 52 people injured, including children. The incident, which occurred in the Dasht-e Barchi area, has raised significant safety concerns among residents, particularly given the area's history of violence against educational institutions. Witnesses reported that the grenade was in the possession of a student at the time of the explosion. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, while UN officials have condemned the attack and called for accountability. This event highlights ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan, particularly for vulnerable communities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 18, 2026, 16:26 IST

Explosion in Kabul's Dasht-e Barchi Area

Screengrab image shows the aftermath following a blast outside a private school in Kabul, Afghanistan (Source: X)

Kabul, Aug 18: Reports indicate that more than 52 individuals, including children, sustained injuries due to a grenade explosion near the Sham-e Hedayat private school located in the Dasht-e Barchi neighborhood of western Kabul, as per local media sources citing security officials and eyewitness accounts.

Khalid Zadran, a spokesperson for the Taliban police, confirmed that the explosion was caused by a hand grenade but did not provide additional information regarding the individual responsible for carrying it or the circumstances of its detonation.

Witnesses reported that the grenade detonated while it was in the possession of a student from the school, who was also injured in the incident. The details surrounding how the student came to possess the grenade and the reasons for its explosion remain unclear, according to Khaama Press.

This incident occurred on a Monday in Dasht-e Barchi, an area known for its dense population and a history of violent attacks, particularly those targeting educational institutions.

The region, which is predominantly inhabited by the Hazara and Shia communities, has faced ongoing security challenges over the years.

The recent explosion has heightened fears regarding the safety of students and civilians in the area, especially given the lingering presence of explosive devices and weapons following years of conflict.

Authorities are still investigating whether the explosion was accidental or deliberate. A thorough inquiry is necessary to determine how the student obtained the grenade and what triggered its explosion, as reported by Khaama Press.

In response to the incident, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, condemned the "heinous attack" and called for an independent investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

"I condemn the heinous attack harming numerous children near a school in Dasht-e Barchi yesterday. Once again, this mainly Hazara part of Kabul has been targeted. Deplorable! A full and independent investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice is essential," Bennett expressed on X.

Last week, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urged the 'de facto' authorities to implement measures that could foster lasting stability for the Afghan populace.

UNAMA highlighted ongoing challenges, particularly the restrictions faced by women and girls, as well as concerns regarding terrorism, which hinder Afghanistan's recovery from conflict.

"The last five years have shown that Afghans deeply value peace and stability after decades of war," stated Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of UNAMA.

"However, sustainable peace and prosperity require more than just an absence of conflict. Afghanistan's future hinges on creating a society where the rights and potential of all Afghans are realized, and institutions are accountable and responsive," Gagnon added.