Kabul: One dead, 21 hurt in attack on American University

At least one person was killed and 21 others injured on Wednesday in a gun and bomb attack at American University in Kabul, a media report said.

Three women were among the wounded. According to the Emergency Hospital in Kabul, three people were critically injured, TOLOnews tweeted.

Ahmad Samin, a Chemistry teacher said that he was lecturing when the assailants struck the American University of Afghanistan, CNN reported.

The attackers opened fire and detonated explosives on the campus. Quickly, the lights went out in Samin's classroom.

"It was very dark, (and) everyone was running. Everyone started screaming," Samin was quoted as saying.

Amid black smoke, he took off running with the students and other faculty.

Eyewitnesses said they heard gunshots and a blast at 7:50 p.m. local time when students were gathering and eating together.

Ambulances, security forces and rescue teams were on the premises of the university.

According to the Afghan news channel TOLOnews, the gunfire erupted again shortly after the units entered the campus.

"Security forces have cordoned off the area. Officials confirm dozens of students and staff trapped inside," TOLOnews tweeted.

--IANS

sku/