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Taliban suicide bombers kill 17 in attacks on Kabul hotels used by foreigners
Ross Lydall26 Feb 2010
Taliban suicide bombers killed 17 civilians today in a dawn attack on hotels used by foreigners in the heart of the Afghan capital Kabul.
A massive explosion was followed by two smaller blasts, believed to have been caused by car bombs, and sparked fierce gun battles. One attacker was this morning holed up in a hotel basement, continuing to exchange fire with Afghan security forces.
Four Indians, a Frenchman, an Italian and three Afghan police were reported among the dead. The Italian man was said to have been speaking to security forces on his mobile when insurgents burst in and shot him. There were also at least 32 wounded.
Brian Briscombe, a British citizen staying at the Safi Landmark hotel, was almost shot by security forces as he left his hotel room after waking to shattered glass and smoke.
He told the BBC: “My hand was gashed and I wanted to get it treated. But a jumpy soldier screamed and almost shot me because he saw my backpack and thought for 10 seconds that I was a suicide bomber. Luckily he calmed down and I was allowed to leave.”
Dr Surbod Sanjiv Paul, an Indian, was taken to hospital with foot injuries. He hid in his hotel bathroom for three hours after it came under attack.
He said: “When I was coming out, I found two or three dead bodies. When firing was going on, the first car bomb exploded and the roof came on my head.”
The Taliban said five bombers carried out the attacks, the worst in Kabul for more than a month. Twelve people were killed on 18 January in attacks on shopping areas.
The Taliban's continued focus on Kabul is seen as a response to the massive Nato offensive, Operation Moshtarak. Now in its second week, it seeks to drive the Taliban from strongholds in Helmand province, south-west of Kabul. Fourteen Nato forces have died, including four British soldiers.
