10 Afghan Girls, Ages 9 - 13, Killed When Land Mine Goes Off In Field While Collecting Firewood

One of the most penalized groups in the War in Afghanistan has been young girls - the Taliban have made them a favorite target but today's horrific bomb blast that killed 10 girls out collecting firewood appears to have been an old land mine left behind from the war of years ago.

Don't get me wrong - this could have been a fresh IED set by the Taliban but it appears to have been out in an open field which makes it unlikely.

The story comes from VOA News.

Explosion Kills 10 Afghan Girls



Officials in eastern Afghanistan say an explosion has killed 10 girls, ranging in age from 9 to 13 years. Two girls were wounded in the blast.

Authorities say the girls were collecting firewood Monday morning in Nangarhar province when the device exploded.

Officials believe the blast came from an old landmine, many of which are still hidden in fields and rural areas after decades of conflict.

Elsewhere in Afghanistan Monday, officials say a blast in the capital has killed one person and wounded 15.

Authorities say the explosion in Kabul happened in an area where several bases for foreign troops are located.

Police officials say the explosives were planted in a small truck.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.