Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Taliban kill 17 in Afghan hotel attack

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 15:49 IST

A hotel near Kabul was attacked by Taliban insurgents on Thursday night killing 17 people, mostly civilians. The attackers took hostages and staged a battle with security forces for around 12 hours. Four security guards and an Afghan police officer were killed in the attack.

The attack took place around 11 pm on Thursday night when heavily armed men carrying machines guns, rocket-propelled grenades and vests laden with explosives attacked the Spozhmai hotel near Kabul. The police said that the final attacker was killed on Friday afternoon.  

The interior ministry said that Afghan security forces on Friday freed 35-40 hostages taken by Taliban insurgents.   

Claiming responsibility for the attack, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the hotel was attacked because foreigners there were drinking and participating in other activities banned by Islam, said reports.