Child Killed, Another Injured in Unexploded Ordnance Blast in Nangarhar

One child was killed and another injured after an unexploded ordnance detonated in Nangarhar province, local authorities confirmed. The incident occurred in the Rodat district, where the children encountered the device while outdoors.

Police officials responded to the scene and arranged for the injured child to be transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have issued warnings to residents in the area to avoid contact with any unidentified explosive remnants and to report their locations to security forces immediately.

Reports regarding the circumstances leading to the detonation differ slightly. Amu TV reported that the children were playing nearby and accidentally triggered the blast, while Pajhwok stated they were grazing livestock at the time. Pajhwok also identified the injured child as a girl, whereas Amu TV did not specify gender.

The incident highlights the ongoing danger posed by unexploded munitions left from decades of conflict across the country. According to recent data from the national Mine Action Authority, at least 96 people have been killed and 328 others injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan over the past year. Children account for the majority of these casualties.

Local police reiterated that unexploded shells and other remnants of war remain highly unstable and can detonate upon contact or movement. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution in rural and agricultural areas, particularly during seasonal outdoor activities.