Due to severe fighting, Afghan government has decided to temporarily close hundreds of schools in western Afghan province of Farah. The measure was taken to protect pupils and teachers, said deputy head of Ministry of Education, Mohammed Sadik Hadley. It has 411 educational institutions, including 397 elementary schools and 32 secondary schools.

In total, 140,000 students in Afghanistan have no access to education. The facilities should remain closed for time being until end of month of Ramadan in mid-June. Because of years of war with Taliban, more than 1,000 schools have already been closed nationwide.

It was only on Tuesday that Taliban managed to penetrate Farah's provincial capital and conquer government buildings in center. It was only second time since autumn 2015 that Taliban succeeded in conquering a provincial capital, albeit for a short time. The attack was to kill 35 security forces, four civilians, and about 300 Taliban. Since n, re have been or attacks.

Since end of NATO combat mission in December 2014, Taliban have gained strength in many parts of country. According to military information, y currently control at least 14.3 percent of country. 30 per cent of Afghanistan is refore competitive.

Date Of Update: 20 May 2018, 12:02