Unknown attackers explosion private school Kabul; 52 killed, ~40 injured, mostly children
Unknown attackers explosion private school Kabul; 52 killed, ~40 injured, mostly children Briefing Notes - KW 35/2026 1 Briefing Notes Group 62 – Asylum and Migration Information Centre Disclaimer The Briefing Notes are published every Monday and cover events up to and including Friday of the previous week. 24 August 2026 Afghanistan Explosion at a school in Kabul According to reports, on 17 August 2026 an explosion occurred at a private school in the Dasht-e Barchi district of Kabul, which is predominantly inhabited by Hazaras. The reports state that at least 52 people were killed and around 40 others, mostly children aged between nine and 14, were injured. The circumstances remain unclear: whilst some media outlets report that a hand grenade exploded, others claim it was an accident. The Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISPK) has carried out similar attacks in the past. On 19 August 2026, the Taliban are reported to have arrested the headteacher of the aforementioned school, two teachers and the fathers of two pupils. 1 Clashes between the Taliban and armed resistance groups According to reports, clashes took place on 15 August 26 in the Zebak district of Badakhshan province between the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) and the Taliban. On 19 August 26, the AFF reported an attack on the office of the governor of Badakhshan. According to their account, four members of the Taliban were killed. On 20 August 26, a Taliban attack on vehicles belonging to the National Resistance Front (NRF), which were travelling from Panjshir Province to Baghlan Province, reportedly led to a firefight in which at least five NRF fighters, including the commander Hasib Panjshiri, were killed. Following heavy fighting with the Taliban in Badakhshan Province, Nusay District (see BN of 17 August 26), the Taliban dissident Jumah Fateh Khan reportedly surrendered on 17 August 26 and was flown out of the conflict region by the Taliban. Further details are unknown. According to a report dated 19 August 26, the Nusay district remained under the control of the Taliban military even after the fighting had ended, with the Taliban carrying out house-to-house searches in the area. 2 New law: ‘Curriculum for preachers’ On 16 August 26, the Taliban reportedly enacted a new law setting out the content of religious sermons. In addition to instructions on religious practices, the law stipulates that the population must be taught, ...