Gunmen kill at least 10 students in attack on Kabul university
Gunmen attacked Kabul University's campus on Monday, killing at least 10 students and trading fire with security forces, a senior Afghan government source and witnesses said.
The attackers were targeting students and fired on them as they fled in the Afghan capital, one witness said.
"They were shooting at every student they saw," Fathullah Moradi told Reuters, saying he had managed to escape through one of the university's gates with a group of friends.
#AFG Kabul university students fleeing after an attack against university by armed attackers. Video via @WaisBarakzai pic.twitter.com/Hwyf05RGZF
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) November 2, 2020
The Taliban said their fighters were not involved in the assault. No other group immediately claimed responsibility.
Witnesses said the attack followed an explosion in the area.
"At least 10 killed many others wounded," the senior government official told Reuters on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to media.
Several attackers had entered the campus and were fighting with security forces, interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said.
At least 15 people were injured, a police source said.
My heart melts seeing students under terrorists attack. Kabul University with over 25 thousand students has the most vibrant atmosphere for the new generation of Afghanistan. Their talent, dedication and bravery against all the odds, always amaze me. Hope no one is hurt. pic.twitter.com/cCPf2dbZri
— Sami Mahdi (@Samiullah_mahdi) November 2, 2020
NATO Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan Stefano Pontecorvo condemned the attack.
"This is the second attack on educational institutions in Kabul in 10 days. Afghan children & youth need to feel safe going to school," he said in a statement.
An attack late last month on an education centre in Kabul killed 24 people, mostly students.
Violence has plagued Afghanistan while government and Taliban negotiators have been meeting in Qatar to try to broker a peace deal and as the United States brings home its troops.
A Kabul university student “my classmates were killed and wounded and we have been taken, hostage.” #Kabuluniversityattack pic.twitter.com/DUpeMdu9Lk
— Ahmad Mukhtar (@AhMukhtar) November 2, 2020