Dozens of Afghan Schoolgirls Poisoned and Hospitalized in Suspected Attacks

Nearly 80 schoolgirls were poisoned and hospitalized in two separate attacks at their primary schools in northern Afghanistan. This is the first such attack since the Taliban took over in August 2021. Girls are banned from education beyond sixth grade, including university, and women are barred from most jobs and public spaces. The attacks were carried out by someone with a personal grudge, according to the local education official. The investigation is ongoing, and no information has been given on how the girls were poisoned or the nature of their injuries.