Armed Militants Have Stormed The American University In Kabul With Multiple Deaths Reported

On Wednesday, the American University of Afghanistan was attacked as several militants opened fire inside the university, killed at least seven people, and injured several more. Following the attack, eyewitnesses reportedly saw an explosion not too far from the campus. This presents the possibility of a complex, highly orchestrated attack.

Classes were in session when the attack occurred around 7 p.m. in the Afghan capital of Kabul. Several teachers and students evacuated the campus, but others were reported to have taken cover in classrooms as they waited for police to arrive. The university is known to be a premier campus with 1,700 students in attendance, as reported by CNN. Many have confirmed they have evacuated the school, but some are still trapped inside in a possible hostage situation:

With confusion swirling around this event, there are many conflicting reports out there. AP photographer Massoud Hossaini said he was in a classroom with 15 others when he heard the explosion: “I went to the window to see what was going on, and I saw a person in normal clothes outside. He shot at me and shattered the glass.”

Police spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said security forces have entered the campus and are still searching for the gunmen while trying to evacuate as many personnel as possible. Journalist Bilal Sarwary reported a number of people were injured during the attack, but many have escaped:

This attack comes after two members of the university’s staff were kidnapped from their cars two weeks ago. The AP reports that their whereabouts are still not known at this time.

(Via The Associated Press & BNO News & CNN)