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IS has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack, which is taking place at the same time as peace talks between the government and the Taliban are taking place.
Two attackers broke into the university on Monday morning while a book fair sponsored by the Iranian authorities was taking place. Among the guests was the Iranian ambassador in Kabul. He was invited to open the book fair.
Only after several hours did the shooting end. The two attackers were later killed by security forces.
– I thought we were going to die
At least 22 lives were lost and dozens injured, Afghan authorities said.
– We were very scared and we thought that our last day had come, the children were screaming, praying and crying for help, says Fraidoon Ahmadi, a 23-year-old student.
The university has a total of 17,000 students. According to another student, Ahmad Samim, the attack took place in the east wing, where the journalism and law departments are located.
According to a statement published by Armaq, the Islamic State-friendly website, two Islamic State fighters managed to attack a meeting organized by the Afghan government, in which diplomas would be awarded to judges and investigators.
The two fighters attacked the graduates with automatic weapons, then supported them along with security forces, according to the statement.
Norwegian soldiers
The press guard at the Armed Forces operational headquarters, Jørn Hammarbeck, informs the NRK that Norwegian special forces participated in the operation that was launched against the attackers. NATO has confirmed that the soldiers associated with the Resolute Support mission have moved.
Norway has around 60 special forces in Kabul, where for several years they have worked closely with the Crisis Response Unit 222 of the Afghan police special force and follow them when they are on missions.
– Enemies of education
Teaching was already underway when the shooting started, reports a college professor to local television channel Ariana. Staff and security personnel helped the students get away from the area, according to the teacher.
Helicopters flew over the area, while witnesses heard the sound of explosions and gunshots inside the area.
“The enemies of Afghanistan, the enemies of education, have invaded Kabul University,” spokesman Tariq Arian said early Monday.
It is unclear whether the book fair was the target of the attackers.
The extremist Islamist group IS has previously attacked various educational institutions in Afghanistan.
As recently as last week, ISIS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on an educational institution in Kabul that killed at least 24 people, most of them students.