News Desk: Afghan security forces rescued at least 40 civilians, who were taken hostages in a hotel on the outskirts of Kabul, in the 11-hour gun battle with Taliban militants killing all the insurgents. Around 20 people including 5 militants and 15 civilians, including hotel guests were killed in the gun battle.

The gun battle occurred after the suicide bombers stormed into a lakeside hotel in Kabul taking civilians hostages. The militants were using civilians as human shields to protect themselves in the attack. Some of the civilians managed to escape and some were taken hostage.


The attackers were armed with guns, rocket-propelled grenades and vests laden with explosives. The gun battle lasted for more than 10 hours. They attacked the Spozhmai hotel at Qargha Lake around 11 PM on Thursday.


The shooting is still on and the security forces had surrounded the area. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that the hotel was targeted as foreign tourists were drinking and participating in anti-Islamic activities like prostitution and dancing.

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