Plug the breach
In a startling breach of security on the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament, the sanctity of the chambers was violated when an intruder leapt into the heart of democracy, the Lok Sabha.
At least five people have been killed by the gunmen who launched an attack on Kabul’s Intercontinental Hotel, Afghan officials say. Special forces killed two of the attackers, an interior ministry spokesman said.
The security forces have regained the control of the hotel after deadly 12-hour sieze.
Hotel manager Ahmad Haris Nayab escaped unhurt and told that the gunmen entered the main part of the hotel through a kitchen. None of the groups has claimed the responsibility of the attack yet.
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The gunmen stormed the hotel on Saturday evening, shooting at guests and detonating grenades.
More than five people are reported to be injured in the attack. 100 hostages including 16 foreigners have been rescued. The attack began at about 9 pm, with reports suggesting the gunmen shot at security guards as they made their way into the five-storey building.
They targeted staff and guests before special forces were called in.
Security forces then cleared the ground floor of the luxury hotel but the attackers are still on the floors above, spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told the BBC.
Some reports said the hotel had been hosting an IT conference attended by provincial officials at the time. One witness told Reuters news agency that the attackers had taken hostages.
The attack comes just days after the US embassy in Kabul issued a warning about hotels in the city.
(With IANS inputs)
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