At least 125 students and 3 teachers of an all girls school in northern Afghanistan were hospitalized Wednesday for poisoning. Health officials say the girls are being treated for headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Samples of their blood are being tested to help determine what kind of substance was used in the attack.
"Generally they are not in a critical condition. We are looking after them, but let's see what happens later. We understand so far from the situation ... they are more traumatized,” said hospital director Habibullah Rostaqi.
Officials in Takhar province say the incident happened at the Bibi Hajera School in the capital of Talokhan. Many of the victims reported detecting a strange smell in the building before falling ill. Authorities believe a spray may have been used.
Takhar police spokesman Khalilullah Aseer said the attack was likely the work of the Taliban. "The Afghan people know that the terrorists and the Taliban are doing these things to threaten girls and stop them going to school. That's something we and the people believe. Now we are implementing democracy in Afghanistan and we want girls to be educated, but the government's enemies don't want this,” he said.
Last month in Rostaq, Takhar province, 171 students and teachers of a girls school fell ill with similar symptoms after the school’s water tank was contaminated with poison. Two school employees were arrested in connection with the attack.
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