The two professors at the American University of Afghanistan were seized from their vehicle on Sunday evening, officials said on Monday, as the kidnappers smashed the passenger window and hauled them away at gunpoint.
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There has been no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy, but Australian officials were said to be trying to confirm the reports with Afghan authorities.
“We are devastated by the news and will remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of all university personnel and students” university president Dr. Mark English said in a statement.
Though officials have declined to comment further “due to privacy considerations”, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson added that “officials are working closely with Afghan law enforcement and security colleagues and AUAF to assist in the investigation into the kidnapping”.
They are believed to be employees of the university and were travelling between the university and their residence, he said.
Kidnapping is a major problem in Afghanistan with Afghans the most affected, although a number of foreigners have also been abducted in recent years. Most of those abducted are Afghans, but foreigners are being increasingly targeted as well.
An American and an Australian professor were kidnapped Sunday in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The United States in May warned its citizens in Afghanistan of a “very high” kidnapping risk after an American narrowly escaped abduction in the heart of Kabul.
Three other foreigners who were abducted in Kabul during the past year were released.
At least one Australian woman remains unaccounted for after being kidnapped in the eastern city of Jalalabad in April.
A German and a Dutchwoman were taken from the same area a year ago.
The Pentagon said that two US soldiers suffered minor injuries when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device near the southern city of Jalalabad in the early evening on Monday.
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The soldiers were conducting a security patrol when their vehicle was struck.
