Kabul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The Taliban attacked a hotel in the outskirts of Kabul, sparking a deadly firefight with Afghan security forces and taking some people hostage inside the structure. Official sources report that the assault at Spozhmai hotel, in the area around Lake Qargha, began in late last night and is still ongoing. Currently the confirmed victims are three security guards and a police officer, along with three militants from the group of assailants; two members of the gang are still alive and continue to fight.
It is still uncertain how many hostages are in the hands of the terrorists, holed up inside the hotel; among them there are also women and children. So far, more than 20 persons have been released by the extremists. The international coalition led by the United States has offered support and cooperation to Afghan security forces, to reach a solution to the crisis.
The Taliban immediately claimed responsibility for the assault on the hotel, located on the outskirts of the capital and a popular destination for residents and families to spend a few hours of entertainment just outside of Kabul. The gang, armed with guns, grenades and heavy artillery attacked late last night. According to reports from Reuters, citing extremist elements, at the basis of the punitive expedition is the fact that it is used by wealthy locals and foreigners for "wild parties".
The deputy police chief of Kabul explained that the security forces "have surrounded" an area of the hotel used "for picnics or wedding receptions." And ensures that all due caution will be used, so that "there may be no casualties among the civilians." Witnesses said they saw people jumping from windows to escape the attackers.
In recent weeks, incidents of violence in the country have increased: in the last week, at least three U.S. soldiers and 20 Afghans died in a series of attacks. Meanwhile, the slow path continues that will lead to the transfer of power and responsibility to local security forces, with the departure of the Allied armies planned by 2014. During a special session of Parliament held yesterday, President Hamid Karzai confirmed that the militia attacks against soldiers and police "are growing."