On August 24, 2016, the American University of Afghanistan suffered a devastating, complex terrorist attack on the second day of school.
We honor the memory of those whose lives were lost that day and recognize the lasting impact on every survivor, family member, teacher, student, and friend.
Their courage, dreams, and spirit remain a part of AUAF’s story, and a reminder of why our mission matters.
We remember:
Mohammad Alem
Mohammad Akbar Andarabi
Ahmad Mujtaba Exeer
Einaz Haidery
Jamilla Ismailzada
Fazel Khaliq
Naqeeb Khpalwak
Sayed Rasool
Samiullah Sarwari
Waisodin
Abdul Wakil
Ahmad Jamshid Zafar
Zubair Zakir
On August 15, 2021, the Afghan government collapsed.
It marked the beginning of another chapter of uncertainty, upheaval, and displacement for AUAF. Students, faculty, and staff faced a dangerous reality.
Yet even in the midst of loss and separation, AUAF’s mission did not stop. Two weeks later, the fall semester started on-time due to the innovative online teaching developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the determination of our students to learn. Hope endured despite the darkness.
These moments could have ended our mission.
Instead, they deepened our resolve.
Time and time again, AUAF comes back stronger, adapting and innovating to ensure our mission continues. Today, we share our updated AUAF Timeline, a living record of our challenges, our milestones, and our continued belief that education can bring our students a brighter, more prosperous future.
