Kabul hotel shooting: Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond condemns Taliban attack

A Briton was among the 14 people who died at the hands of gunmen

Philip Hammond said his thoughts were with the family of the murdered British man (PA)

The Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, has condemned an attack by the Taliban on a guest house in Kabul which left 14 people dead, including a Briton who worked for the British Council.

At least nine foreigners died when gunmen stormed the restaurant of the Park Palace Hotel in the Afghan capital.

The hotel was hosting a party for foreigners, and authorities said the victims were killed during a lengthy siege. Mr Hammond said the British man, who held joint-Afghan nationality, was working for the British Council in the country when he was killed.

He said: “I strongly condemn this terrorist attack in Kabul for which the Taliban have claimed responsibility.

“I can confirm that a dual British-Afghan national, who was working for the British Council, died in the attack. His family has been informed and consular staff are providing support at this difficult time. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

The Taliban has admitted responsibility for the attack, with the group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid telling media via email that they targeted the hotel because foreigners were there.

The hotel has guest rooms for visitors and a residential area for those who live full-time in Kabul, including foreign aid workers.

An American, an Italian and four Indians are also known to have died when gunmen stormed the building. The nationalities of the two other foreigners is not yet known.

Five Afghans were among the dead – four men and one woman – and seven were wounded, including one Afghan policeman.

At least 54 hostages were rescued during the siege, Afghan officials said.

Press Association