No Indian killed in Kabul hotel attack: India

KABUL/NEW DELHI: India today said none of its nationals were killed in a Taliban attack on a heavily fortified luxury hotel in Afghanistan's capital.

Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi had said that four foreigners -- one each from New Zealand, Canada, Pakistan and India -- were killed in the attack on Serena Hotel which is used by UN staff and foreign diplomats.

But in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs officials said no Indian was killed in the attack.

The attackers entered the hotel at 8:30 p.m. yesterday in traditional Afghan clothing and started shooting.

Sediqqi said five Afghans were among those killed, including two children who were shot in the head.

Two of the attackers were gunned down inside the restaurant in Serena, third inside the bathroom and forth in a close by area, he added.

Sediqqi said the attack was planned outside Afghanistan. "I hope the ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistani government has nothing to do with the elections," he added.

The Serena Hotel has been a frequent target of insurgent attacks in the past.