An explosion and gunfire were witnessed in a militant attack on American University of Afghanistan in Kabul on Wednesday.
Mark English, the president of American University of Afghanistan, confirmed to the Associated Press that a militant attack was taking place at the university. He said security forces were on the scene, adding that "we are trying to assess the situation."
Officials said that at least one individual had died and 18 others were wounded in the assault.
An explosion occurred near the university and was accompanied by gunfire, according to journalists and witnesses speaking about the events on social media. Students and teachers were said to be trapped inside. The attack occurred around 7 p.m. local time.
A CBS News reporter based in Kabul described the university as "under attack." Ahmad Muktar, the journalist, wrote on Twitter that he and friends had escaped but several of his friends and professors were still trapped inside.
Massoud Hossaini, a photographer for the Associated Press, wrote on Twitter, "Help we are stuck inside AUAF and shooting flollowed [sic] by Explo this maybe my last tweets."
Citing reports of the attack on Wednesday, the State Department urged U.S. citizens in the area to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and monitor news outlets for updates on the situation. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul later issued an advisory to American citizens, warning them to "avoid the area until further notice."
American University in Kabul was shuttered earlier this month after gunmen kidnapped two foreign professors, one American and one Australian, close to the campus in the capital of Afghanistan on Aug. 8. The campus reopened three days after the incident.
#AUAF under attack. I along with my friends escaped and several other of of my friends and professors trapped inside.
— Ahmad Mukhtar (@AhMukhtar) August 24, 2016
Explosion followed by gun fire close to American University of Afghanistan in Kabul. Initial Info suggests attacker engaged with guards
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) August 24, 2016
DEVELOPING: Explosion and gunfire near American Univ. of Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghan media and witnesses report.
— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) August 24, 2016
LATEST: American university in #Kabul is under attack by unknown gunmen pic.twitter.com/J88VSKyz20
— Mirwais Afghan (@Miirwais) August 24, 2016
This post will be updated as further information becomes available.