Threats to Afghanistan's Western-backed government just don't cease. A luxury hotel in Kabul was attacked yesterday by a group of Taliban gunmen in army uniforms, leaving at least 22 people dead according to officials.

Witnesses claimed that the attack originated in the kitchen of the Intercontinental Hotel at about 9 pm local time, with men going on a shooting rampage in the restaurant, before breaking into the hotel rooms and taking hostages. The security guards had apparently fled "without a fight".

Hostages escaped the burning hotel using bed sheets. Image courtesy of RT.

A 14-hour siege transpired in a thick bed of smoke and fiery floors, involving dozens of hostages that included foreigners. Reports state that six Ukrainians have been killed as well as 10 crew members from the Afghan airline, Kam Air. Over 150 people were rescued from the hotel, which included 41 foreigners.

The Taliban group claimed responsibility for the attack, as confirmed by its spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid.

The raid is part of the latest chain of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, including the truck bomb incident in the capital that occurred in May last year as well as the attack on Shia cultural centre by a suicide bomber in late December.

Our sincerest prayers and thoughts are with the families of the victims of this terrible attack.

By: Franz Tabora

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