An attack occurred today at a hotel where Chinese business travelers often stay in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Several armed men opened fire in the hotel.

(Associated Press)

[Central News Agency] A spokesman for the Afghan Taliban government stated that an attack occurred today at the "Kabul Laurel Hotel" in the capital Kabul, a hotel where Chinese businessmen often stay. Several armed men opened fire in the hotel. Killed by security forces.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack was now over and no foreigners had been killed, Reuters reported.

But two foreigners were injured when they tried to escape and jumped from the balcony of the hotel.

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Residents nearby reportedly heard a loud explosion followed by gunshots.

Residents said the attack took place at a hotel frequented by Chinese tourists and other foreigners.

Just a day before the attack, the Chinese ambassador met with the Afghan deputy foreign minister to discuss security-related issues, and at the same time sought more security attention from the Afghan authorities for the Chinese embassy.

China's official Xinhua News Agency reported that the attack took place near a Chinese hotel and the Chinese embassy in Kabul was closely monitoring the incident.

A Reuters reporter sought comment from the Chinese embassy, ​​which did not immediately respond.

The Kabul police said that the attack took place around 2:30 pm local time when several armed men broke into the hotel.

Police said the hotel was "a hotel for ordinary people".

Footage reposted on social media showed people yelling from the windows of the hotel's lower floors, and the signboard of the hotel had Chinese and English characters, which were clearly identifiable.

Other footage showed thick black smoke visible as flames spread from another area.

The Taliban claimed to have improved national security after quickly regaining control of Afghanistan last August.

Despite this, there have been a number of bombs and attacks in Afghanistan, many claimed by the local affiliate of the militant group Islamic State (IS).

After the Taliban returned to power, a large number of Chinese business people visited Afghanistan.

Beijing has kept the embassy fully operational, although it has not formally recognized the Taliban regime.

An attack occurred today at a hotel where Chinese business travelers often stay in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Several armed men opened fire in the hotel.

(Reuters)