Two foreign academics kidnapped in Afghanistan

Teaching at the American University of Afghanistan was suspended after two of its academics were kidnapped at gunpoint.

The pair, reportedly an American and an Australian, were abducted when the vehicle they were in was stopped just outside the campus in Kabul. The gunmen were dressed in uniforms of the Afghan security forces, according to reports.

Mark English, the university’s president, said that campus operations had been suspended after the incident on the evening of 7 August. Teaching was due to resume on 10 August.

“We are devastated by the news and will remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of all university personnel and students,” Dr English said.

In a statement, the university said that it was in “close contact” with the Afghan security agencies.

“Everything possible is being done to ensure their immediate and safe return,” the statement said.

The American University of Afghanistan is the country’s only private, not-for-profit higher education institution. It offers US-style liberal arts degrees as well as an MBA and professional programmes, enrolling men and women and teaching in English.

chris.havergal@tesglobal.com