Gunmen launch attack on Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel, hostage situation reported

Najib Danish, Afghanistan's Interior Ministry spokesman confirmed that a five star hotel is under attack by gunmen.

At least four gunmen launched an attack on Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul late evening today. Najib Danish, Afghanistan's Interior Ministry spokesman confirmed that a five star hotel in the capital is under attack by gunmen.

Danish informed that security forces have reached the hotel and exchange of fire is underway.

According to media reports, gunmen have taken hostages. 

Gunmen were shooting at guests, AFP reported. A guest who is hiding in his room in the hotel told AFP that he could hear gunfire. 

An official from the National Directorate of Security said that the fourth floor of the hotel is on fire.

Afghanistan's TOLOnews reported that there are an unknown number of attackers in the hotel who are reportedly holed up in the kitchen and in some rooms.

There were no immediate details of casualties.

In June 2011, an attack on the same hotel had left at least 21 people dead. There were nine attackers who were gunned down by the security officials. The Taliban had claimed responsibility for that attack. 

More details awaited