Afghan Schoolgirls Sickened By Unknown Gas

Schoolgirls receive treatment in a Kabul hospital

Afghan education officials said that dozens of students and teachers at a girls' school in Kabul were sickened on August 25 by an unknown gas that spread through classrooms.

The incident was similar to earlier cases where scores of girls have been treated for dizziness, headaches, and nausea following suspected poisoning attacks.

Education Ministry spokesman Mohammad Asif Nang said 60 students and teachers from the Totia Girls School were treated after the latest incident, which is under investigation.

The incident has raised fears that Islamic militants are trying new methods to prevent girls from attending school.

compiled from agency reports