The blast at a seminary in the capital city of the northwestern province of Samangan sparked reactions at the national and international level. 

Hamid Karzai, the former president of the country, reacted on Twitter, saying that a "blast in a Madrasa in Samangan, that killed and injured our compatriats and children is un-Islamic and inhumane, and is a crime against humanity." 

Former chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah, also condemned the attack and gave condolences for the victims. 

Abdullah tweeted: “I strongly condemn today’s attack on a madrasa in Samangan Province. I extend my condolences to the victims and their families. Targeting schools, universities, madrasa and educational institutions is a heinous crime, and should stop immediately.” 

A blast occurred at Jahadia seminary during afternoon prayers on Wednesday in Aybak city in Samangan, which killed and injured dozens, many of whom were young. 

The attack also sparked international reactions.  

The US special representative Thomas West condemned the attack against innocent civilians and added that all Afghan children have the right to go to school without any risk. 

“Terrible news from Samangan this morning. Children among those killed and injured in an attack on a religious school. The United States condemns this senseless attack against innocent civilians. All Afghan children have the right to go to school without fear,” US special envoy Thomas West tweeted.

Rina Amiri, the United States Special Representative for Afghan Women, Girls & Human Rights, tweeted:

“The brutal attack in Samangan that killed & wounded dozens, mainly children, is beyond heartbreaking. Such cowardly violence against children is an attack on Afghanistan's future & must stop. My heart is with the families.

“I join special envoy for Afghan girls and women’s and US representative for Afghan’s condemnations of the despicable attack on the madrasa in Samangan. Afghan children are to be cherished and protected. We must eradicate terror from the lives of our children," tweeted Karen Decker, charge d'affaires of the US mission.

UNICEF tweeted that during the first half of this year at least 288 children have been killed and wounded in attacks in schools and said that children should never be targets of violence. 

“UNICEF is appalled to learn of the explosion in the Madrasa Al Jihad in Aybak city, Samangan Province, Northern Region, earlier today. It has initially been reported that children were amongst those killed and wounded.”