‘Three attackers dead’ after attack on Kabul hotel

Three attackers were killed in an attack on a hotel hosting foreign tourists in the Afghan capital Kabul, a Taliban official said.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said two foreign residents were injured when they jumped out of windows.

Residents reported explosions and gunfire on Monday, and photos and videos posted on social media showed smoke billowing from the building.

Khalid Zadran, spokesman for the Taliban-appointed Kabul police chief, said the attack lasted several hours.

He said a “cleanup” operation was underway.

A resident of the Shar-e Naw neighborhood, where the attack took place, told The Associated Press he heard explosions and several shots.

He spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation by Taliban officials.

He said Taliban forces rushed to the area and blocked all roads leading to the site.

Another resident of the Shar-e Naw community told The Associated Press that the gun battle continued.

He said he and his family lived in their home about three blocks from where the attack took place.

He also requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.