Taliban Attack Kabul Hotel Inter-Continental

Seven members of the Taliban attacked the Inter-Continental Hotel in Kabul. As reported by CNN, an attack that began on Tuesday evening and continued until early Wednesday morning, ending with the death of seven members of the Taliban, two security personnel, and 11 others.

"We're still searching for victims at the hotel. The number of deaths is expected to increase, "said Head of Criminal Investigation, Mohammad Zahir, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, June 29, 2011. Zahir added, in addition to those killed, 12 others were injured and wounded in the incident.

As a result of incidents of assault, the hotel top floor of the hotel burned. But within a few hours, the fire had extinguished although smoke is still surrounded the ruins of the hotel. Afghan Interior Minister Bismullah Khan asserted, the current situation was safe.

The Daily reporter who was in Kabul, Erin Cunningham, said members of the Taliban through the hotel security. One of them then threw explosives at the second floor. Not only that, they are also targeting the homes of high officials of Afghanistan from the hotel.

"The grenade rocket launched from the roof of the hotel to house the vice president. Moments later, the hotel was rocked by three explosions at once. At that moment, U.S. forces were already on the scene, "said Cunningham.

Zahir said that at 04.00 am local time, police Kabul sure all the attackers comprising members of the Taliban have been killed. "But there is one striker who is still alive. He was hiding and fight till 6:20 o'clock, "he explained.

Via email, Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid said one of the suicide attackers entered the hotel, killing a security officer at the entrance. "One of them - who committed suicide - call us. He said that when they are in the lobby. The guests then chased into their room and destroy the door, "said Mujahid.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials said there were no indications of military personnel or U.S. diplomatic officials in the hotel which was attacked. Previously, the hotel is scheduled to hold a press conference to discuss the security transition plan from international forces to Afghan troops, as announced by President Obama last week.

A spokesman for the U.S. State Department Victoria Nulland said the U.S. condemns Taliban attack to the Hotel Inter-Continental's. "Again, this shows ignorance of the terrorist on human lives," he said. Hotel Inter-Continental is one of the most popular hotels in the eyes of the international guests in Kabul.