REPORT Blast at American University of Afghanistan in Kabul

This is a developing story. Return to this post for updates.

UPDATE 1

ATTACK UNDERWAY

The president of the American University in the Afghan capital says a militant attack is underway on the campus.

Mark English tells The Associated Press that security forces are on the scene after Wednesday's attack and that "we are trying to assess the situation."Witnesses say they heard explosions and automatic gunfire.

UPDATE 2

Afghan security forces rush to respond to an attack on the campus of the American University in the Afghan capital Kabul (via Bloomberg)

UPDATE 3

Via CNN:

Fires are burning on the campus, said Tarek Mahjari, a reporter for Tolo News who reported the details in a phone interview with his employer.

Ambulances, security forces and search and rescue teams are en route to the university.
The blast occurred at 7:50 p.m. local, when students were gathering and eating together.

UPDATE 4

Report: Hostages taken on campus..

UPDATE 5

#AFG A police CDR Kabul's rapid reaction force "We're dealing with a complex attack inside the American university.Special forces en route".

— Bilal Sarwary (@bsarwary) August 24, 2016

#AFG A police officer in policedistrict 7,at least 7people killed&20 injured.This is an on going attack. We are trying to find more details.

— Bilal Sarwary (@bsarwary) August 24, 2016

UPDATE 6

I'm receiving calls from friends stuck inside a building in #AUAF, they call for help. #AUAFUnderAttack

— Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) August 24, 2016

UPDATE 7

BREAKING: Afghan officials confirm dozens of students & staff trapped inside American University in #Kabul following attack #AUAF

— Lisa Daftari (@LisaDaftari) August 24, 2016

UPDATE 8

According to a student stuck inside #AUAF, attackers are tossing hand grenades inside classes

— Khawaja Shekeb (@khawajashekeb) August 24, 2016