Afghani security forces have killed three people who attacked Kabul University, leaving at least 19 people dead and 22 others injured, according to Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian.
Conflicting reports suggest that the number of victims varies from 19 to 25. Earlier in the day, security sources told Sputnik that 20 students had been killed in the attack.
Eyewitnesses told Sputnik that a bomb detonated in front of the university's northern gate, after which militants entered the Law Department building.
A university representative told Sputnik that the students had been evacuated. An Afghan special services operation is ongoing.
Officials in Afghanistan strongly condemned the attack on Kabul University on Monday, calling for non-violence against educational institutions.
"We have full confidence in the strength of our security forces, which will quickly eliminate terrorists", Sediq Sediqi, a spokesman for the Afghan president, said on Twitter.
Several photos and videos allegedly depicting students and local citizens running from the scene of the attack have emerged online.
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) November 2, 2020
پولیسازحمله مهاجمانانتحاری به دانشگاه کابل خبردادههشت هزاردانشجو درایندانشگاه درس میخوانندواین تصویرنشان میدهدکه دانشجویان ازبالای دیوارهای دانشگاهدرحال فرارهستنددانشگاه کابل قلب اکادمیک افغانستان استبرای دانشجویان واستادان دعاکنید@ziashahreyar
— KabulToday | کابل (@KabulT24) November 2, 2020
pic.twitter.com/McMeDuuTOG
— Horia Mosadiq (@Hmosadiq) November 2, 2020
— Malik Ali Raza (@AnchorMalik1) November 2, 2020
Another video shows multiple cars from the security forces heading to the university.
— Malik Ali Raza (@AnchorMalik1) November 2, 2020
The Taliban* radical movement has reportedly refuted its involvement in this attack.
Prior to this, a suicide attacker detonated a bomb near the Kawsar-e Danish education centre in western Kabul, leaving 30 people dead and over 50 injured. The Daesh* terrorist organisation has taken responsibility for Saturday’s attack in Kabul. The Taliban earlier rejected any connection with that attack.
In September, the Afghan government and the Taliban began peace talks in the Qatari capital Doha. Both sides have publicly expressed their desire to conclude a secure and long-lasting ceasefire to end Afghanistan's long-running conflict. However, despite the ongoing talks, violent clashes and bomb blasts continue to rock the nation.
The peace talks came after a February agreement signed by the United States and the Taliban in Doha, stipulating a gradual withdrawal of US troops as well as the beginning of intra-Afghan negotiations and prisoner exchanges.
*The Taliban and Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) are designated as terrorist groups in Russia
