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.

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.