American University in Afghanistan currently under attack, lecturers and students take cover

American University in Afghanistan currently under attack, lecturers and students take cover

Exchange of gunfire between armed policemen and attackers happened a few minutes ago at the American University in Afghanistan. Police and special forces have now surrounded the campus on the western outskirts of Afghanistan's capital city and are trying to ensure no student or innocent person gets hurt. Teachers and hundreds of students have taken cover in classrooms and safe rooms.

The identity of the attackers is unknown while the number of students and lecturers inside the university at the moment is currently unknown.

The U.S. State Department this morning (evening Nigerian time) acknowledged reports of the attack on their official Twitter account.

"Reports of attack on American University in Kabul. Exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement in the area & monitor news for updates," the agency said.

Massoud Hossaini, a photographer for The Associated Press, tweeted that he is trapped inside.

“Help we are stuck inside AUAF and shooting flollowed [sic] by Explo this maybe my last tweets,” he wrote.

The gunfire as at press time has stopped but police forces are still sweeping the area. This attack comes weeks after lecturers were kidnapped from the university. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.