American University of Afghanistan reportedly under attack

Afghan security forces rush to respond to a complex Taliban attack on the campus of the American University in the Afghan capital Kabul.

(Image credit: AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

published 24 August 2016

Numerous sources reported Wednesday that American University of Afghanistan, located in Kabul, is under attack. "Several gunmen attacked the American University in Kabul and there are reports of gunfire and explosions," an Afghan interior ministry official told Reuters.

Hundreds of students and several American professors, as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Massoud Hossaini, are believed to be trapped inside the university compound. Many have reportedly managed to escape through emergency doors.

The attack comes just weeks after two professors were kidnapped on Aug. 8 from the university by five gunmen in Afghan military uniforms.