Taliban storm Afghan hotel, 10 killed

Two attackers were killed, eight security personnel lost their lives and seven others were injured in the gunfight that took place between Taliban insurgents and Afghanistan security forces in Qala-e-Naw.

Kabul: At least 10 persons were killed after a group of Taliban fighters stormed a hotel in Afghanistan's Badghis province on Saturday, leading to a gunfight with the security forces, an official said.

"Three attackers entered the hotel in Qala-e-Naw at around 12.40 p.m.," said Nusrat Rahimi Interior Ministry spokesman.

Two attackers were killed, eight security personnel lost their lives and seven others were wounded in the gunfight, he said.

The spokesperson said that a number of civilians may also have been affected in the attack.

Hours after the firing began, provincial governor Abdul Ghafur Malikzai told media the attack was over and two militants were killed and two arrested.

The number of wounded rose to 20, he said.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Afghanistan's police and military personnel come under near-daily attacks and have suffered casualties in recent months, most often at the hands of Taliban insurgents, who say the war will continue as long as US and NATO forces are still in Afghanistan.