At least nine people including a national of India and Pakistan and four attackers were killed in deadly Taliban militants attack on a popular luxury hotel in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul.
Kabul, March 21/Nationalturk – A national of India and Pakistan were reportedly among nine people killed in deadly Taliban militants attack on a popular luxury hotel in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul.
Security officials said on Thursday evening, four men who hid pistols in their socks pretended, entered in the restaurant of luxury Serena Hotel located near heavily guarded presidential palace in Kabul.
“After their entry in the hotel, attackers fired indiscriminately on the people, who were dining in the five-star hotel,” they said.
Officials said security men of elite forces laid siege around the hotel and launched an operation to flush out the attackers. The operation continued for few hours and ended after killing of all the four attackers.
“Nine people including two women from Canada and New Zealand, two men from India and Pakistan were killed in the militant attack,” they said.
Dead include 4 women, 3 men and 2 children
Afghanistan’s interior ministry spokesman said the victims included four women, three men and two children.
Afghanistan’s security officials said police is investigating how the gunmen managed their entry into the hotel alongwith arms. “Dozens of armed guards patrol hotel’s perimeter, and nobody is allowed entry without checking from metal detectors. Besides, body is being searched for weapons.”
Taliban claimed responsibility
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack and said the gunmen had targeted both Afghan foreign guests celebrating the eve of Afghan new year on Friday.
“Our people, if they decide to attack any place, they can do it,” he said.
Taliban militants have threatened to disrupt upcoming elections, and many observers are staying at the hotel.
This is the second attack on the restaurants frequented by foreigners in Kabul this year.
On Jan 17, 21 people, including 13 foreigners, were killed after a suicide bombing and shooting in a Lebanese restaurant.
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Asia News/ NationalTurk Afghanistan News
