American University in Kabul under attack: Gunmen storm campus packed with students as explosions are heard and trapped victims tweet from inside ‘I’m wounded please help us’
‘Complex’ raid launched on campus of American University in the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul
According to one student, several of his classmates have been killed and wounded
Another student posted on Facebook: ‘We are stuck in university and under attack by Taliban they are killing us.
Ambulances seen ferrying away the wounded from the assault on the school which is in a western suburb
Hundreds of students are trapped along with their professors – many tweeted pleading for help
Trapped Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Massoud Hossaini wrote: ‘Help… this may be my last tweet’
No organization has taken responsibility yet for the attack at the university
University president, Dr. Mark English confirmed an attack has occurred – security forces have responded
The university was founded ten-years ago and currently has 1,100 students enrolled
College is styled on the American liberal arts model – 40-percent of students are women
DAILYMAIL.COM
24 August 2016
The American University of Afghanistan in the capital Kabul is under attack by militants with explosions and gunfire reported inside the campus where American staff and hundreds of students are trapped, an interior ministry official and a student said.
A huge plume of smoke was seen rising above the campus on Wednesday night as elite Afghan forces surrounded the university compound and firearm exchanges continuing. Early reports were that several gunmen, some wearing suicide vests, were involved, the official said.
Police spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said security forces have rushed to respond to the attack (which began at 9.30am ET), while ambulances are ferrying the injured away. Many inside managed to escape the onslaught of gunfire through emergency exits.
Teachers and students still inside the university are sheltering in place while security forces engage in a furious gun battle with militants inside, with many pupils taking to Twitter to plead for help.
According to one student, several of his classmates have been killed and wounded, while a number of professors and were trapped while fighting continues.
Another student posted on Facebook: ‘We are stuck in university and under attack by taliban they are killing us.
Renowned Associated Press photographer, Massoud Hossaini was one of those caught in the crossfire, but later managed to escape.
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