Kathmandu, Apr 3: A devastating explosion in the southeastern province of Ghazni, Afghanistan, has resulted in the tragic loss of nine children. Reports indicate that the children inadvertently triggered an old land mine or explosive device while playing, leading to the fatal incident.

According to a spokesman for the Taliban, Hamidullah Nisar, the explosion occurred when the children came across the explosive device, believed to be a decades-old land mine or ‘explosive ball’, near their village in the Gero district of Ghazni province. The victims, comprising five boys and four girls aged between 5 and 10, lost their lives in the blast.

Afghanistan has a grim history with land mines and explosive remnants of war, earning it the moniker “Graveyard of Empires” due to years of conflict and military interventions. The Taliban spokesperson indicated that the explosive device dated back to the Russian attack in 1980, highlighting the enduring dangers posed by such remnants of past conflicts.

The United Nations has reported thousands of casualties, including women and children, due to land mines and unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan over the years. Efforts are underway to address this threat, with the Mine Action Team clearing significant areas, but the risk remains significant, particularly in rural areas where such devices are often found.

The tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan communities, even as the country navigates complex political transitions and seeks stability under the current Taliban-led interim government. The international community continues to support efforts to address the legacy of war and promote peace and security in Afghanistan.