UPDATE - Turkey conveys condolences to Afghanistan over attack

UPDATES WITH RULING AK PARTY SPOKESMAN STATEMENT, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Dilara Hamit

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Monday offered its condolences to Afghanistan over a terrorist attack at Kabul University, leaving a number of people killed and wounded in the capital city.

"We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, a swift recovery to the injured and convey our condolences to the friendly and brotherly people and Government of Afghanistan," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"We are deeply concerned about the recent increase in the number of terrorist acts targeting civilians as well as educational institutions and religious sites," it added.

Omer Celik, the spokesman for the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, also condemned the deadly attack on Twitter.

"We extend our condolences to the Afghan people and government. We are always with the Afghan people," Celik said.

At least 19 students and teachers were killed and 22 wounded when assailants stormed Kabul University on Monday following multiple blasts and a gunfight.

Witnesses told Anadolu Agency that several armed assailants entered the university building around 11.00 a.m. (0630GMT) through the northern gate, causing chaos, with students running for their lives.

Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said in a statement that the attack ended around 17.00 p.m. (1230GMT) with all three attackers killed.