On October 8, 2019, a bomb exploded in a classroom at Ghazni University, injuring at least twenty-one students.

Reports indicate the explosive device was detonated in a classroom at the Faculty of Arts while classes were in session. Thirteen students were hospitalized for their injuries.

As of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ghazni province has a large presence of Taliban forces, although in more recent years, ISIS forces have also established a presence. Both groups have been responsible for violent attacks in Afghanistan, including attacks targeting higher education personnel and facilities.

Scholars at Risk is gravely concerned about a targeted, violent attack against a university. In addition to the harm to those directly impacted, such attacks target the core values of higher education, including academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas. State authorities have a responsibility to safeguard these values by taking all reasonable steps to ensure the security of higher education communities and their members, including a responsibility to deter future attacks by investigating incidents and making every effort to hold perpetrators accountable, consistent with internationally recognized standards.

Sources:
http://petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage.jsp?ID=31501&lang=ar&name=external_news
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/blast-university-classroom-injures-afghan-students-191008085735833.html
https://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/least-20-students-wounded-explosion-ghazni-university
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/23-students-hurt-in-afghan-varsity-blast/844672.html
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/afghan-officials-say-raid-killed-top-al-qaeda-commander/ar-AAIupKq