100 students poisoned in Afghanistan

No fewer than 100 students, mostly girls, have been poisoned in Sar-e-Pul, Afghanistan.

The alleged poisoning occurred on the weekend in two schools in the Sancharak district of the province, the head of the local information and culture department, Umair Sarepuli, said.

Sarepuli said seven female teachers, one male teacher, and a cleaner of the schools were among those affected.

The health condition of several students who were taken to the provincial hospital was good, the official added.

The students were suffering from nausea and shortness of breath.

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Sarepuli added that a substance was used in the classrooms that caused asthma as well as watery eyes and running noses.

In a video shared online by the US-based Amu TV, a few students were seen lying on hospital beds.

No one has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have reimposed strict laws and regulations, including banning girls and women from accessing schools beyond grade six.

Despite national and international pressure, the Taliban authorities have not said they will reopen schools to girls.

The Taliban are seeking international recognition as no country in the world has recognised their government yet.

The Star