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Hostage situation at Kabul's InterContinental Hotel: 1 attacker killed, 3 still holed up says official

A group of three or four gunmen attacked the Intercontinental Hotel in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday and were exchanging fire with security forces, an interior ministry spokesman said.

Hostage situation at Kabul's InterContinental Hotel: 1 attacker killed, 3 still holed up says official
Intercontinental Hotel

A group of three or four gunmen attacked the Intercontinental Hotel in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday and were exchanging fire with security forces, an interior ministry spokesman said.

Details of the attack, including information on any casualties, were unclear but the attackers appeared to have included suicide bombers, ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

As of now it’s unclear if there’s a hostage situation. TOLO news journalist Gulabuddin Ghubar said that an unknown number of attackers were holed up in the kitchen and some rooms. They have also reportedly taken hostages.

Parts of the hotel are also set on fire. No group has claimed responsibility yet.


The hotel, located on a hilltop and heavily protected like most public buildings in the city, was previously attacked by Taliban fighters in 2011. 

It is one of two main luxury hotels in Kabul and is used for events including conferences attended by government officials.

Although the NATO-led Resolute Support mission says the Taliban has come under pressure after the United States increased assistance to Afghan security forces and stepped up air strikes against the insurgents, security is precarious.

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21 Jan 2018
12:02 AM

Meanwhile, a guest told AFP: "I don't know if the attackers are inside the hotel but I can hear gunfire from somewhere near the first floor. We are hiding in our rooms. I beg the security forces to rescue us as soon as possible before they reach and kill us."

11:59 PM

A number of guests and staff have been taken to a secure area. 

11:49 PM

Pakistan reacts to attack

11:39 PM

Official Najib Danish of the Ministry of Interior said that one attacked has been killed and three others are still holed up in the hotel.  

11:39 PM

A witness who escaped the hotel said that at least 15 have been killed or wounded. 

11:35 PM

The hotel has faced a similar siege before. 

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