ISIS Storms Kabul University, Killing at Least 22

Ghani announces national day of mourning over attack

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has announced a day of mourning after a terrorist attack against Kabul University. At least 22 students were killed when gunmen forced their way into the site.

The attack has been claimed by ISIS, and officials say they killed the gunmen. Signs are that the gunmen shot every student they could, including those who were fleeing, despite ISIS saying the target was a specific graduation.

This is the second strike on a Kabul education center in just two weeks, with both claimed by ISIS. The previous attack killed 24 people at an education center in a Shi’ite part of the city. In both situations, the Taliban disavowed the attacks and were critical of them.

Today’s attack also coincided with a book fair, which a number of Iranian dignitaries were expected to attend. Iranian Ambassador Bahador Aminian was scheduled to attend, along with 40 Iranian publishers. Officials say the casualties were overwhelmingly students.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.