American University in Kabul to reopen after kidnappings

KABUL -- The American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) says it will reopen three days after two of its employees, an American and an Australian, were kidnapped at gunpoint in the capital, Kabul, by men in military uniforms.

The university's president, Mark English, said in a statement on Tuesday that work will resume the following day.

He said that the university was "devastated by the news and will remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of all university personnel and students."

AUAF said it is working closely with security agencies to secure the freedom of the two men, who were abducted Sunday evening as they travelled between the campus and their residence in Kabul.

"Everything possible is being done to ensure their immediate and safe return," the statement read.

The names of the two abducted university employees have not been released.

"Out of respect for the families and for reasons of privacy, the names of the persons involved are being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin," the university said.