Insurgent attacks hinder educational progress in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (July 8) - A school in the Pech district of the Kunar province was struck for a second time by a rocket fired by insurgents, July 4.

The school, located in the village of Nangahlam, sustained major damage as a result of the incident. Large portions of the roof and the building's support structure were damaged when a rocket aimed at an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) base struck the school building instead.  This is the second time in one week that a failed attack on the nearby base resulted in damage to the school.

The first attack happened earlier in the week, and resulted in minor damage to the outside of the school building.

"Despite these attacks where insurgents intentionally target places where Afghan children learn, ANSF and ISAF forces remain vigilant and determined in our mission to protect and develop the education system and the future of the Afghan people," said Lt. Col. Clarence Counts, Regional Command-East spokesman.

These incidents are part of a reoccurring trend of schools and education facilities where Afghan children congregate being damaged by insurgent activity.

In March, a school in the Nader Shah Kowt district of the Khowst province was attacked by insurgents, causing major damage to the building.

In April, two separate schools, also in the Nader Shah Kowt district, were subject to attacks, one of which destroyed a portion of the school's front wall and caused other major damage.

In June, there were six different incidents reported to ISAF in eastern Afghanistan involving explosives found near or in schools and other locations that children often occupy. In four of these events, ANSF and ISAF units were able to safely remove the explosives before they detonated or caused any damage or injuries.

In an incident on June 21, a school in the Kahmard district of the Bamyan province was targeted.  An improvised explosive device was placed in a classroom on the second story of the Do Abe School building.  The device was detonated, causing major damage to the surrounding structure, and collapsing part of the second story floor.