Afghanistan school attacked

American University in Kabul hit for second time this month

An almost nine hour- long terror attack on the American University of Afghanistan ended Thursday, killing at least 12 people and wounding dozens, a government official said.

Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said at least seven students, two police officers and a security guard were among the dead at the college in the capital Kabul, according to the Associated Press.

Sediqqi said most of those killed were shot near the windows of their classrooms and at least 37 people were wounded, including seven police officers.

No group has claimed responsibility. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters that the group was “investigat- ing” the incident, according to the AP.

President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack Thursday.

“Terrorists should realize that despite all the challenges, the Afghan people and the government will continue the path they have chosen and they will overcome all the challenges,” he said in a statement, Afghan broadcaster TOLOnews reported.

“Attacks on education institutions and public places as well as targeting civilians will strengthen our goal to eliminate the roots of terrorism,” he added.

Sediqqi said the attack began soon before 7 p. m. local time Wednesday, when a suicide car bombing damaged the security walls, allowing two attackers armed with grenades and automatic weapons to enter the campus, the AP reported.

Police killed the two at around 3.30 a. m local time Thursday, Sediqqi said.

The school was the scene of an apparent terror attack Aug. 7, when two faculty members were abducted at gunpoint by unidentified gunman. The school was shut down and a review of its security was conducted, and it resumed its normal operations a few days later. The teachers, an American and an Australian, are still missing.

The university, which has 1,700 students on a five- acre campus, is an internationally supported, private university founded a decade ago in Kabul.

“AUAF is dedicated to providing a world- class higher education that prepares students from Afghanistan and the region to be tomorrow’s leaders,” the school says on its website.

“Attacks on education institutions and public places as well as targeting civilians will strengthen our goal to eliminate the roots of terrorism.” Ashraf Ghani, president of Afghanistan

HEDAYATULLAH AMID, EPA Afghan security officials escort students of the American University of Afghanistan on Thursday after an overnight attack killed at least 12 people.