Afghans: Taliban poisoned schoolgirls
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The Afghan government alleges the Taliban tried to poison students at girls' schools, causing outbreaks of sickness, and says 15 suspects have been arrested.
Intelligence service spokesman Latifullah Mashal said Wednesday the insurgents bribed students and workers to sneak poison into drinking water or spread it around school grounds. Mashal says those being held include 12 identified Taliban insurgents, a teacher and a school treasurer and his wife.
Under Taliban rule of Afghanistan, girls were banned from going to school and the militants have attacked schoolgirls previously by spraying their faces with acid. However, they have appeared to tone down their stance against education for girls more recently.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
