UPDATE: At least 12 killed in Attack on American University of Afghanistan
[UPDATE: August 25, 2016 8:30 a.m.]
Police in Kabul said a violent attack on the American University of Afghanistan ended hours after gunfire and explosions plagued the university.
As many as 12 people were killed and 30 more injured after gunmen launched the assault on Wednesday evening. Staff and students hid throughout the university as many other fled from emergency exits, trying to get away from the attack.
For hours after the initial attack, Afghanistan police worked tirelessly to clear pieces of the building and evacuate students and staff members still inside. The AP said as many as 700 students were rescued.
The Reuters news agency reported the Afghanistan police shot and killed two attackers before clearing the building.
One of those deceased was a security guard for the university.
Original story below.
Multiple new outlets have reported that the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul is under attack. According to the reports, gunmen entered the university and open fired as classes were taking place.
Several professors, many American, and students are stuck inside as they hear gunshots and explosions around them.
Many people near the university have tweeted photos of smoke rising from the area where the university is. It is believed that there could have been a blast that allowed gunmen to get inside the gates of the university.
Security forces have blocked off the area after confirming dozens of students and staff were trapped inside.
Several sources have said that students are escaping from the attack through emergency doors at the university.
The attack comes just weeks after two professors, one American and the other Australian, were abducted from the university at gunpoint on Aug. 7.