Sixfold Increase In Attacks On Afghan Schools

Afghan soldiers at a primary school attacked in April (epa) August 4, 2006 -- The UN children's agency, UNICEF, says attacks on Afghan schools have increased sixfold this year.

UNICEF says it has monitored more than 60 school attacks in the country in 2006, which have killed at least six children.

It calls the attacks "appalling" and a threat to the future of the country.

The agency estimates that the attacks are preventing more than 100,000 children in four southern provinces from going to school.

(AP)