Terrorists with weapons attacked the Kabul University in Afghanistan, leaving 19 dead and several injured. They stormed the premises and launched a volley of attacks onto an unassuming gathering that had been attending a literary event and book fair titled “Afghanistan and Iran book exhibition”. Most of those killed were students who were part of the event. A dozen high-ranking government officials, including ministers and the Iranian ambassador, were expected to attend.
Notably, this fair had been presided over by the Iranian ambassador who had barely escaped the attack. Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency reported on Sunday that Iranian Ambassador Bahador Aminian and cultural attache Mojtaba Noroozi were scheduled to inaugurate the fair, which was to host some 40 Iranian publishers.
Five hours into the fighting, sporadic grenade explosions and automatic weapons fire echoed down the empty streets surrounding the university’s fenced compound. Afghan troops stood guard. Earlier, students were seen fleeing for their lives from the site. Distressing images posted online showed what appeared to be the bodies of killed students lying by desks and chairs. Several survivors later recounted stories of horror to the media.
Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said 19 people were killed and 22 more wounded. He said that there was an investigation underway in this issue and that it was unclear as to how the attackers had procured weapons.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the terrorist attack and called the act cowardly.
I strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack at Kabul University today. Our prayers are with the families of the victims and the injured. We will continue to support Afghanistan's brave struggle against terrorism.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 2, 2020