KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Afghan government alleges the Taliban tried to poison students at girls’ schools, causing outbreaks of sickness, and says 15 suspects have been arrested.

Intelligence service spokesman Latifullah Mashal said Wednesday the insurgents bribed students and workers to sneak poison into drinking water or spread it around school grounds. Mashal says those being held include 12 identified Taliban insurgents, a teacher and a school treasurer and his wife.

Under Taliban rule of Afghanistan, girls were banned from going to school and the militants have attacked schoolgirls previously by spraying their faces with acid. However, they have appeared to tone down their stance against education for girls more recently.