KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – At least three children were injured in an explosion caused by unexploded ordnance in Badghis province, northwestern Afghanistan, Taliban authorities said.
According to the Taliban, the explosion took place Wednesday in Bala Murghab district while the children were herding livestock in open fields. The injured children were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by explosive remnants of decades-long conflict in Afghanistan. Mines and unexploded munitions remain scattered across much of the country, putting civilians—particularly children—at high risk of injury or death.
Afghanistan is one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world. The UN estimates that around two-thirds of its districts contain areas affected by mines and unexploded ordnance, putting over 6 million people at risk.
According to the HALO Trust, an international demining organization, unexploded ordnance kills or injures at least 50 people each month in Afghanistan, and more than 80% of the victims are children.
Demining operations, which are crucial for preventing such incidents, are facing major setbacks. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are dealing with their worst funding shortfall in years, forcing some programs to close or reduce operations. This reduction leaves many communities vulnerable to the deadly remnants of war.
In his latest report to the UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for immediate funding to support mine clearance and humanitarian efforts, warning that continued inaction could lead to more deaths and lifelong injuries among Afghan civilians.
