Police searched the American University of Afghanistan early Thursday about 10 hours after the assault began and killed two of the attackers who stormed the campus with guns and explosives.
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Sediqqi said many victims were shot through classroom windows.
At least 13 people died and more than 40 were wounded.
“Based on the recent information, one professor, seven students, two security guards of the university and three personnel of the National Security and Defense Forces were martyred while nine policemen and 36 students and staff of the university were injured”, read the statement. Around 35 students and police were wounded.
Washington D.C. [US], Aug 26: The United States has asserted that it has consistently raised concerns at the highest level of the Pakistan Government “on the need to deny safe haven to extremists”.
“My brother-in-law’s daughter, a student, has disappeared”, an anxious woman told AFP outside the university.
Also on Thursday, US Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asian Affairs Peter Lavoy held a meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry regarding steps Islamabad has taken in the wake of Wednesday’s attack.
“This was a cowardly assault on talented and motivated scholars – students and faculty alike – dedicated to a better and more prosperous future for Afghanistan, as well as the police and security staff who help make that future possible”, Kerry said.
There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack on the university on the edge of Kabul.
Established in 2006 with US government funds, the university teaches an American-style liberal arts curriculum.
Most of the students who were trying to flee the attacks at the top floors were killed by the gunman on the first floor, who was brought down by the operation forces at around 1:30 a.m. “Two bullets hit on the door of our classroom”, one witness told PBS NewsHour.
“I’m in shock”, she said – but added that she was not surprised. Hossaini later fell on the glass and cut his hands.
Students recounted barricading themselves in classrooms or jumping from windows to escape when the attack started. Three police officers and two security guards were also killed, the Interior Ministry said.
“Extra and upgraded measures have to be taken”, said Masjidi, declining to specify what they would be.
The Army Chief strongly condemned terrorist attack on American University of Afghanistan in Kabul yesterday and expressed his sympathies with the bereaved families. Their whereabouts are still unknown to Afghan authorities.
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The school opened in 2006.
