Suicide bombers attack Kabul hotel: police

KABUL: Two suicide bombers attacked a major hotel frequented by Westerners in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul late on Tuesday, a police official said, and gunfire was heard for several minutes afterwards.

"It's an attack on the Intercontinental Hotel. There are several gunmen shooting," said Kabul criminal investigations chief Mohammad Zahir, adding that "a number" of police had been wounded.

An AFP reporter close to the scene reported hearing at least one explosion and heavy gunfire.

He said the hotel was now in darkness after power in the area had apparently been cut.

There was a heavy police presence at the scene and traffic was being diverted, the reporter added.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said several fighters from the Islamist group had attacked the hotel, where Afghan and Western officials were supposedly holding security talks.

Mujahid, who spoke to Reuters by telephone from an undisclosed location, said heavy casualties had been inflicted. (Reuters/AFP)