Kabul attack death toll rises to 35 as students protest

World

Afghanistan has marked a day of mourning as the death toll from an attack on Kabul University has risen to at least 35.

Gunmen barged into the university on Monday, in what was the second attack on an educational institution in the capital in just over a week.

Both have been claimed by Islamic State.

Most of those who were killed were students and around 50 more people were wounded, some breaking limbs while jumping from windows to flee from the attack during morning classes.

Damaged computers are seen inside a room after yesterday's attack at the university of Kabul, Afghanistan November 3, 2020. REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail
Image:
Damaged computers are seen inside a room

Officially the death toll stands at 22 with 27 wounded, according to the interior ministry, but government sources said the figure was at least 35.

Around 100 students gathered outside the university to protest that peace talks with the insurgent Taliban were not leading to a reduction in violence.

“Although we see these kinds of attacks on a daily basis, there are still ongoing peace talks with them, which is really
terrible,” said one protesting student, Zaryab Paryani.

More from Afghanistan

The Taliban has denied any part in the attack, which follows a blast last month – also claimed by Islamic State – that killed dozens of students at a tutoring centre.

But some Afghan government officials, including First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, have accused the Taliban of
involvement.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid accused the government of “taking (the) public for fools”.

Afghan journalists film inside a class after yesterday's attack at the university of Kabul, Afghanistan November 3, 2020. REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail
Image:
At least 35 people were killed in the attack

Negotiators from the Afghan government and the Taliban are holding talks in Doha with the aim of brokering a peace deal as the United States withdraws troops.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Ukraine and Russia exchange more than 200 prisoners of war | World News
Special Interest Share New Song “Nothing Grows Here”: Listen
AI Chatbots Proven to Reduce Belief in Conspiracy Theories by 20%, MIT Research Reveals
With Apple on board, OpenAI’s next act could be its toughest yet
Arca and Tokischa Flaunt Baby Bumps in Video for New Song “Chama”: Watch