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Kabul attack: Gunmen target American University | |
(35 minutes later) | |
A militant attack is taking place at the American University in the Afghan capital, Kabul. | |
A large explosion has been heard and frightened students barricaded inside rooms in the building say they can hear gunfire close by. | |
At least one person has died and at least 12 are injured, officials say. | |
Police have described the attack, which began at about 19:00 local time (14:30 GMT), as "complex" and have deployed special forces. | |
The university president, Mark English, told AP news agency that a militant attack was underway and "we are trying to assess the situation". | The university president, Mark English, told AP news agency that a militant attack was underway and "we are trying to assess the situation". |
An interior ministry official said he thought several gunmen, some with suicide vests, were involved. | |
Peace remains a distant dream in Afghanistan | Peace remains a distant dream in Afghanistan |
Viewpoint: The toll of terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan | Viewpoint: The toll of terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan |
US to keep most troops in Afghanistan, Obama says | US to keep most troops in Afghanistan, Obama says |
Student Ahmad Mukhtar told the BBC that he was 100m (320ft) away from the university's main entrance when he heard "six or 10" shots and a "huge" blast. | Student Ahmad Mukhtar told the BBC that he was 100m (320ft) away from the university's main entrance when he heard "six or 10" shots and a "huge" blast. |
The explosion created so much light that it momentarily lit up the surrounding area, he said. | The explosion created so much light that it momentarily lit up the surrounding area, he said. |
Then there were was more firing inside the campus. He added that he had also heard students shouting. | Then there were was more firing inside the campus. He added that he had also heard students shouting. |
"I climbed a six-metre wall to escape," Ahmad said. | "I climbed a six-metre wall to escape," Ahmad said. |
Another student told AFP news agency he was stuck inside his class with other students. | Another student told AFP news agency he was stuck inside his class with other students. |
"I heard explosions, and gunfire is going on close by," he said by telephone. Other trapped students were tweeting or posting on Facebook desperate pleas for help. | |
Among them was Massoud Hossaini, a Pulitzer prizewinning photojournalist - though he was later reported to have escaped. | |
The attack comes two weeks after two university staff - one American, one Australian - were kidnapped by unknown gunmen. Their whereabouts remain unknown. | The attack comes two weeks after two university staff - one American, one Australian - were kidnapped by unknown gunmen. Their whereabouts remain unknown. |
The university, which first opened its doors to students in 2005, is a non-profit private university chartered in the US. | The university, which first opened its doors to students in 2005, is a non-profit private university chartered in the US. |
It offers English courses, adult professional qualifications and bachelor degree programmes, among others. | It offers English courses, adult professional qualifications and bachelor degree programmes, among others. |
About 1,700 students are enrolled; many are adults who study part-time and also have jobs. |