The American University of Afghanistan in Kabul is under attack. Following a huge explosion, reports are coming in that “attackers” have infiltrated inside the University.
It’s believed that the attackers are terrorists or militants. Although it’s unknown who exactly is responsible, some believe it’s the work of the Taliban.
Among the people inside the school is Massoud Hossaini, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer.
https://twitter.com/Massoud151/status/768460104807120900
Our thoughts are with the students and teachers of the AUAF right now.
What Happened?
https://twitter.com/AmichaiStein1/status/768465126420779008
Reports are still coming in, but social media indicates that around 7:00 P.M., a suicide bomber attacked the school. It’s believed the blast might have targeted, and destroyed, a gate. Following the bombing, militants came into the school during evening classes and began opening fire. Some students and professors were able to escape, while others have been taken hostage.
Considering that evening classes would have just begun, the AUAF would have been extremely packed with people.
A police commander told journalist Bilal Sarwary, “We’re dealing with a complex attack inside the American University. Special forces en-route.”
https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/ad_216953313.jpg
Police have blocked off roads entering the school.
Earlier this month, two Professors at the American University in Afghanistan were kidnapped at gunpoint. The school was closed and then reopened after a day.
Two professors — an American and an Australian — were kidnapped recently from the university on the 8th of August. Five gunmen wearing Afghan military uniforms abducted the pair at gunpoint.
The two foreigners were taken from their SUV while driving on Sunday night on a main road near the American University of Afghanistan, according to Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman for the Afghan Interior Ministry [source].
Update–11:49 A.M.:
https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/768473242508091392
Who Is Involved?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpaUGOrUEAAJiKb.jpg
The identity of the group who has attacked the school is unknown, but we do know that teachers and students within the Bayan building are trapped.
There aren’t any confirmed numbers of deaths or injuries, but we can report that multiple ambulances have been taking wounded to the emergency hospitals.
https://twitter.com/EjazMalikzada/status/768466051659079680
https://twitter.com/CombatJourno/status/768474868174168064
What is the American University of Afghanistan?
The American University of Afghanistan is the first non-profit University that was founded in March 2006. It was supported by United States Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, Dr. Sharif Fayez (Afghan Minister of Higher Education), and United States First Lady Laura Bush.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d13156.823231841432!2d69.1177849004639!3d34.47230293622038!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x6b95380a26de5ec3!2sAmerican+University+of+Afghanistan!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1472051492880&w=600&h=450]
This story is developing. Refresh for updates.