KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan says two NATO helicopters have killed three gunmen atop a hotel in Kabul after insurgents attacked with suicide bombers, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
Jason Waggoner, a spokesman for the coalition, says the helicopters fired early Wednesday morning on the roof where militants had taken up positions. He says they killed three gunmen and that Afghan security forces clearing the hotel worked their way up to the roof and engaged the remaining insurgents.
The helicopters attacked after four massive explosions rocked the Inter-Continental hotel.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Back-to-back explosions have rocked a Western-style hotel where Afghan police are battling insurgents who attacked with suicide bombers, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
Associated Press reporters at the scene said the two blasts — about a minute apart — occurred around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Three helicopters flew over the roof of the Inter-Continental hotel where some attackers have taken up positions. At least one rocket was fired from the helicopters.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi says four suicide bombers either blew themselves up or were killed in the attack.
A U.S. official in Washington said initial reports are that there were no Americans at the hotel.