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Kabul attack: Gunmen target American University Kabul raid: Security forces hunt university attackers
(about 3 hours later)
A militant attack is taking place at the American University in the Afghan capital, Kabul. Afghan security forces are combing the American University in the capital, Kabul, following a militant attack.
A large explosion has been heard and frightened students barricaded inside rooms in the building say they can hear gunfire close by. One person, reportedly a guard, died and at least 14 were injured in the assault which began with a huge blast.
At least one person has died and at least 12 are injured, officials say. Students and staff who were trapped inside the building are now believed to be safe, but the attackers remain at large, say reports.
Police have described the attack, which began at about 19:00 local time (14:30 GMT), as "complex" and have deployed special forces. It is unclear how many attackers there are. No group has so far claimed responsibility.
The university president, Mark English, told AP news agency that a militant attack was underway and "we are trying to assess the situation". Police have described the attack, which began at about 19:00 local time (14:30 GMT), as "complex" and special forces were on the scene along with American military advisers.
An interior ministry official said he thought several gunmen, some with suicide vests, were involved.
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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. One of those trapped inside was Massoud Hossaini, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, who tweeted his experience and pleaded for help.
He later managed to escape and told the Associated Press news agency about the attack, which began with an explosion as he was in a classroom with 15 students.
"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," Mr Hossaini said, adding that he fell on the glass and cut his hands.
The students then barricaded themselves into the classroom. Mr Hossaini said at least two grenades were thrown into the classroom, wounding several classmates.
He and about nine students later managed to escape from the campus through an emergency gate.
"As we were running I saw someone lying on the ground face down, they looked like they had been shot in the back," he said.
Student Ahmad Mukhtar told the BBC that he was 100m (320ft) away from the university's main entrance on his way home 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.
"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. Other trapped students and staff tweeted or posted on Facebook their desperate pleas for help.
"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.About 1,700 students are enrolled; many are adults who study part-time and also have jobs.