Afghanistan

Security forces arrest ten in schoolgirl acid attack

Article published on the 2008-11-25 Latest update 2008-11-26 09:32 TU

Shamsia, 17, victim of an acid attack by the Taliban
(Credit: Reuters)

Security forces in Kandahar have arrested 10 men in connection with the 12 November acid attack on schoolgirls in southern Afghanistan, authorities said Tuesday, adding that some have already confessed. Deputy Interior Minister General Mohammad Daud said that the men allegedly involved in the attack had been promised the equivalent of 1,000 euros by Taliban rebels in Pakistan to carry out the attack.

The men rode motorcycles and used water pistols to spray female teachers and students on their way to school on 12 November. Most of the women were protected by their burqas, a head-to-toe covering, but one was seriously wounded in the face and eyes.

"They were led by Taliban ... they were taking orders from the other side of the border from those who are leading terrorist attacks in Kandahar," said Daud.

Of the 15, the worst hit was Shamsia, a 17-year-old who was transferred to a military hospital in Kabul. The others were treated and released and are back at school.

The attacks elicited widespread international condemnation, but Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said the movement was not responsible for it.

The UN cites a total of 230 attacks on schools in Afghanistan in the first six months of this year. About half of the attacks were on girls' schools.