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Two Indians among 14 killed in attack on Kabul guest house

by IBNS 14 May 2015, 06:32 am

Kabul, May 14 (IBNS) Two Indians and an American were among 14 killed when gunmen stormed a guest house in Kabul on Wednesday niht and attacked the inmates, mostly foreigners.

Media reports said a few of the attackers were also killed by Afghan security forces in a gun battle that followed during the seven-hour overnight siege. 

The gunmen attacked the Park Palace guest house in Kabul's Kolola Pushta area at around 8:30 pm local time.  Six Indians were in the building at the time; three have been moved to safety but one is still missing.

Explosions and bursts of gunfire were heard as the gunmen reportedly went from room to room searching for people, NDTV quoted witnesses as saying.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in China on a three-day visit, has tweeted, "In the aircraft I got news about the attack in Kabul. Am concerned about the situation & I pray for everyone's safety (sic)."

Kabul Police Chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi told reporters that at least 44 guests - some had come for a music concert - were rescued by the police and special forces.

The attack comes a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to Kabul. 

Sharif pledged to support Afghanistan in its battle against the Taliban, saying "the enemies of Afghanistan cannot be the friends of Pakistan."