PAN, March 27, 2008

Unidentified assailants blow up school in Khost

"Our pupils will again have to study under tents," the principal lamented.

Syed Jamal Asifkhel

KHOST CITY: A newly-constructed middle school building was blown up by unidentified miscreants in the southeastern Khost province late Wednesday night, officials said on Thursday.

Armed assailants attacked the school in the Gulam area of the Sabri districts with bombs, as guards offered Isha (night) prayers inside the building, the headmaster told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Muhammad Shoaib said the gunmen, who placed two powerful explosive devices inside the school, took out the security guards with them. The watchmen were freed soon after the explosions, confirmed by Governor Arsala Jamal.

Around 220 boys and girls were enrolled in the school, whose construction was completed at a cost of 112,000 dollars some months back. "Our pupils will again have to study under tents," the principal lamented.

Director Education Aziz Ahmed Hashmi, in a brief chat with this news agency, said he would ask tribal elders and councils - tasked with protecting schools - about the bomb attack.

Characters Count: 1417