Blast kills 6 in Afghanistan

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-15-2008 08:49

Militants have attacked a luxury hotel in the Afghan capital Kabul, killing at least six people and injuring six others.

Militants have attacked a luxury hotel in the Afghan  capital Kabul, killing at least six people and injuring six others.(CCTV.com)

The attack occurred while Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere was staying at the hotel. He is reported to be safe.

Militants with suicide vests, grenades and rifles attacked Kabul's most popular luxury hotel Monday evening.

Afghanistan's Interior Ministry confirmed the attack but did not give the identities of the casualties.

Zemeri Bashary, Spokesman, Afghan Interior Minister, said, "It was six o'clock in the evening that a suicide bombing or a suicide attack, happened in front of the entrance gate of the Serena Hotel. And after the suicide bombing there was another explosion which we are not sure about, that explosion, whether that was a suicide bombing, whether that was a bomb, or whatever. We are investigating that."

An American official said at least one US citizen is among the dead.

The blasts occurred as a Norwegian delegation headed by Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere stayed at the hotel.

Norway's foreign ministry says two Norwegians are among the injured. And the foreign minister avoided injury.

War-torn Afghanistan has seen a resurgence of Taliban-related militancy over the last three year. And rising violence claimed thousands of lives last year and hit a record high since the Taliban regime fell in late 2001.

Taliban insurgents continue to engage Afghan security forces and foreign troops with guerrilla-style attacks as well as launching roadside bombs and suicide attacks, across the country.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei