Ten people killed in the attack on Kabul Hotel - voice of America

Afghan security officer directing vehicles near the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, June 28, 2011

At least six suicide bombers and gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in the Afghan capital, Kabul, late Tuesday and early reports indicate that 10 people were killed.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack of the Intercontinental Hotel.   Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, said the Group was targeting foreign guests, and that the attackers were killed or wounded at least 50 people.  However, the Taliban often exaggerates the number of victims in attacks against Western and Afghan Government targets.

The head of the Kabul police crime unit, Mohammad Zahir, said that several police officers were injured in the fighting, while witnesses reported at least three loud explosions and gunfire inside and outside the hotel.

Ministry of Interior spokesman Sidiq Sidiqqi said the suicide bombers detonated themselves or were killed and two Taliban insurgents have continued to fire from the roof Wednesday at the start.

Police blocked streets leading to the hotel, situated on a hill that overlooks the Afghan capital and said that the entire area in darkness.  Shortly after, the national army Afghan commando unit arrived on the scene.

The attack occurred on the eve of a Conference on the gradual transition of responsibility civilian and military forces to the Afghan people.

In other acts of violence Tuesday, NATO said three of its members in service are dead in attacks by insurgents and separate bomb in the South of the Afghanistan.

Also in the South, the authorities have declared a bomb killed two women and wounded a child in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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