Afghan Troops Faced University Siege Mostly Alone

US and NATO advisers responded to Wednesday’s terror attack at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul to help Afghan troops end the siege, but did not actively take part in the assault. US Army Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, the deputy chief of staff for communications for the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, said the Afghan Interior Ministry, with its police and special operations troops, stopped the attack that resulted in the deaths of at least 13 and dozens more injured. At least three gunmen stormed the university with guns and explosives, and two were killed in a battle with Afghan troops, according to CNN. There has been no official claim of responsibility, though there has been increased Taliban activity in the area. Cleveland said the crisis was handled by Afghan forces, however, NATO special operations forces advised the Afghans in their response, and a NATO quick reaction force was on standby if needed. US aircraft also provided surveillance for the Afghans, Cleveland said during a Thursday briefing. (Secretary of State John Kerry’s statement on the attack.)