Summary
- At least seven people, including five children, lost their lives after a mortar shell exploded in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, according to local police.
- Officials continue to investigate the incident, which highlights the ongoing danger posed by unexploded war remnants across Afghanistan.
- According to United Nations data, accidents involving abandoned or unexploded military ordnance have claimed the lives of 126 people in Afghanistan so far this year.
At least seven people, including five children, lost their lives after a mortar shell exploded in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, according to local police.
Authorities said the victims had reportedly found the unexploded mortar shell among discarded materials and attempted to break it apart when it suddenly detonated. The powerful blast also injured four children, who received medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
Officials continue to investigate the incident, which highlights the ongoing danger posed by unexploded war remnants across Afghanistan. Decades of conflict have left large numbers of explosive devices scattered throughout the country, putting civilians—especially children—at constant risk.
According to United Nations data, accidents involving abandoned or unexploded military ordnance have claimed the lives of 126 people in Afghanistan so far this year. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned about the threat of explosive remnants of war and continue to call for greater mine-clearing efforts and public awareness campaigns to prevent further tragedies.
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