Afghan schoolgirls poisoned in Kabul

Schoolgirls receive treatment in a Kabul hospital.

Scores of girls have been treated for gas and chemical poisoning raising fears that Islamic militants are trying new methods to prevent girls from attending school.

WASHINGTON, DC, August 31, 2010 -- Two schools in the Afghan capital, Kabul, were struck by apparent gas attacks that injured more than 100 schoolgirls, including one that sickened 60 students at a girls school on August 25 and another on August 28 at Zabihullah Esmati High School that left 48 young girls in need of medical care.

According to agency reports, all 48 victims at the high school were brought into Kabul's Rahman Mina clinic for an initial investigation. Out of these, 39 patients were discharged following initial investigation and treatment, 5 cases remain under observation and 4 cases were referred to IbnSina hospital for treatment and follow up.

Today, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released the following statement about the incidents.

"The United States is deeply concerned by the recent poisonings of Afghan school children in Kabul. While details of these attacks are still being verified, Afghan schools, teachers, and students, particularly girls, are regularly targeted by anti-government elements seeking to destabilize Afghanistan and undermine progress. We condemn such attacks and are working with the Afghan government to address this important issue and prevent further incidents from occurring."

"Afghanistan and the United States, together with 40 other co-sponsors, presented a joint resolution to the Human Rights Council that was adopted by consensus in June concerning attacks on innocent students, particularly girls, in Afghanistan. We urge the international community to continue their support for the Government of Afghanistan in combating repression and violence against girls seeking an education, and in bringing to justice those responsible for these appalling attacks."

"Our deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims, and we assure the government and all the people of Afghanistan that the United States will stand by you as you continue working to bring peace and stability to your country."

Sources: U.S. Department of State, Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, World Health Organization (WHO), and portions copyright © 2010 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.