A deadly attack occurred at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul resulting in the death of 12 personnel and the injury of 44 others.
The attack took place on Wednesday, August 24 when three men armed with Kalashnikov rifles and grenades stormed the university campus.
Reports of attack on American University in #Kabul. Exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement in the area & monitor news for updates.
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) August 24, 2016
The first attacker proceeded to detonate a suicide car bomb into the university’s walls, creating a passageway for the rest of the attackers to flood the compound.
The remaining two attackers entered the premises and showered bullets on any and every person in sight. The sound of explosions and gunfire scared the students and the staff to scamper for cover, some even jumping out of second-floor windows and injured themselves in the process.
Afghan special police forces (CRU) reacted instantaneously and arrived at the university within 10 minutes. The siege on the university that followed lasted for almost 10 hours when eventually the two gunmen were killed.
More than 750 students trapped in the university buildings at that time were rescued by the police force.
Final reports released by Kabul’s police chief, General Abdul Rahman Rahimi, reported that out of the 12 killed, 7 were students, 3 were police officers and 2 were university guards.
@emergency_ong hospital has opened mass casualties procedures for the wounded of #AmericanUniversity attack, #Kabul. pic.twitter.com/oU8YiouKpT
— EMERGENCY (@emergency_ong) August 24, 2016
The American University of Afghanistan opened in 2006 as a project undertaken by the former first lady Laura Bush. A non-profit initiative meant to encourage education and strengthen ties, the university proved to be a safe haven in a war-wrecked country.
The university provided sanctuary to more than 1,700 of the brightest in the country who sought solace in intellectual growth.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, albeit the primary group under spotlight is the Taliban.
Featured Image: Screenshot Via YouTube Video.
