Yesterday’s attack on Kabul University claimed at least 22 lives and wounded dozens of others. On Monday, gunmen stormed campus of Kabul University and opened fires at students.
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack.
In less than two weeks, it was the second attack on educational centers in the capital Kabul. At least 30 students lost their lives last week after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the entrance gate of Kawsar-e-Danish tuition center in the western neighborhood of Kabul.
Students, who eye-witnessed the horrific attack on Kabul University, say around 11 AM on Monday a suicide bomber detonated his explosives and then two gunmen started shootings.
Afghan officials condemned the attack as heinous act of terror. President Ashraf Ghani called the attack “despicable act of terror”. He announced a national day of mourning in the memory of victims.
Abdullah Abdullah, the chairperson of High Council for National Reconciliation, strongly condemned “cowardly terrorist attack” on Kabul University and called it a heinous crime.
Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, also condemned the attack on Kabul University. “The attack today on Kabul University claimed by ISIS was horrendous. I condemn it and offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.”
1/4 The attack today on Kabul University claimed by ISIS was horrendous. I condemn it and offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) November 3, 2020
He called on the Afghan government and the Taliban to fight against “common enemy”, the ISIS. The Afghan government and Taliban should not use this brutal attack to score point against each other as the two sides have a common enemy, Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.
I strongly condemn today’s cowardly terrorist attack on Kabul Uni. Targeting educational institutions is a heinous crime. Students have the right to study in peace & security. I offer my sincere condolences to victims & their families. We will prevail over the forces of darkness.
— Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) November 2, 2020
Monday’s attack on Kabul University has been condemned by rights organizations.
Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) called the attack a “full-fledged war crime”, demanding the international community to respond seriously and effectively against such crimes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also condemned the attack, saying that the perpetrators should be brought to justice.
A deadly violence intensifies in Afghanistan despite the Afghan government and the Taliban representatives have been meeting in Doha to broker a power sharing deal and end the nearly 20 years of war in Afghanistan.
