UNICEF is concerned about the increase in child deaths in Afghanistan

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is concerned about the increase in child casualties caused by the explosion of unexploded ordnance left over from the war in Afghanistan.

UNICEF said in a statement yesterday that 301 Afghan children had been killed and injured in a series of unexploded ordnance (UXO) explosions in the past seven months, expressing concern over rising child casualties.

According to the latest report, 5 children, including four boys and a girl, were killed and two others were injured when an unexploded mortar shell exploded two days ago in the Marjah district of Helmand.

Local officials in Helmand said the mortar shell exploded while the children were playing with it.