Death Toll in Kabul Hotel Attack at Least 18

Afghan officials say at least 18 people, including 14 foreign nationals, were killed by gunmen during a standoff at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul.   

The Afghan Ministry of Interior said the other four victims were Afghans and that special forces killed four attackers.  

Witnesses say the attackers got into the hotel through a kitchen and were shooting at guests.

The attack comes after the U.S. State Department issued a security alert for hotels in Kabul.

The Interior Ministry said the attacks were affiliated with the Pakistan-based Haqqani network.  

The Taliban said in a statement it claimed responsibility. 

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