IS attack on Kabul University leaves 22 dead

Agency: Islamic State militants in Afghanistan stormed Kabul University yesterday as it hosted a book fair attended by the Iranian ambassador, AP reported.

The attack sparked an hours-long gunbattle that left at least 22 dead and 22 wounded at the war-torn country’s largest school.

According to AP, most of the casualties were students and there were fears the death toll could climb further with some of the wounded said to be in critical condition.

It was the second attack on an educational institution in Kabul in as many weeks.

The Taliban promptly issued a statement denying they took part in the assault. The Taliban insurgents are holding peace talks with the U.S.-backed government, with the aim to help the United States finally withdraw from Afghanistan. Later in the day, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

As the attack unfolded, students and teachers were seen fleeing the part of the campus where law and journalism schools are located, while hand grenades exploded and automatic rifle fire could be heard.

The chaos subsided as the sun set over the Afghan capital and the Interior Ministry’s spokesman, Tariq Arian, said all three attackers involved in the assault were killed.