5 female teachers were killed in Pakistan when gunmen opened fire when the women were driving home. On Jan. 1, ABC News reported that two aid workers were also killed in the shooting. All of those who were killed were part of a non-governmental organization and the director of that group thinks the victims were targeted because of their anti-polio work.
"Militants in the past have accused health workers of acting as spies for the U.S., alleging the vaccine is intended to make Muslim children sterile. Last month, nine people working on an anti-polio vaccination campaign were shot and killed," ABC News reports.
The 5 female teachers that were killed were on their way home from work. The campaign that the group worked with was trying to find a way to wipe out polio. They were reportedly all in support of polio vaccinations, some even volunteering to get children vaccinated. Islamic militants in the area target women who try to get an education. Sadly, this is not the first time that killings of this sort have occurred either.
In the past, schools have been blown up, teachers have been kidnapped, and many have been murdered because they were suspected of promoting foreign agenda.
The 5 female teachers and 2 aids that were killed in Pakistan likely won't be the last targets. Many people have been killed in this area over the years and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight.
© Effie Orfanides 2013
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