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Five Afghan scholars visiting the University of Washington to work on their master's theses were reported missing after failing to show up for a week of training sessions.
The five were among 38 mid-career government and non-profit officials in Seattle for a three-month research and training programme.
It's the second time Afghan scholars have gone missing.
Said university spokesman Norm Arkans: "They might have viewed this as an opportunity to disappear into the American fabric and become illegal immigrants."
