Kabul blast at school claims 30

Abomb exploded near a girl’s school in west Kabul on Saturday, killing at least 30 people, many of them young pupils between 11 and 15 years old, Afghan government spokesmen said. The Taleban condemned the attack apparently aimed at civilians, and denied any responsibility.

The explosion is being investigated, said Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian who added the death toll could rise further.

Ambulances were rushing to evacuate wounded from the scene of the blast near Syed Al Shahda school, in the Shia majority neighbourhood of Dashte-barchi, Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said.

Images circulating on social media purportedly showed bloodied school backpacks and books strewn across the street in front if the school, and smoke rising above the neighbourhood. —