US-Afghan to jointly probe Kabul Hotel attack, Pak rejects allegations of involvement

Kabul, January 22: At least 17 people were killed and dozen others wounded in an attack by Gunmen on Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel. The preliminary findings show that the attack was plotted by the Haqqani terrorist network which has safe havens outside Afghanistan.

“We are in contact with Afghan authorities regarding their investigation of the incident,” US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said while condemning the deadly attack.

“We have seen the Taliban’s claim of responsibility and condemn terrorist groups for their violent campaign against Afghan and foreign personnel working to improve Afghanistan.”

He said the United States stands with the government and people of Afghanistan. We remain firmly committed to supporting Afghan efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity for their country.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government officials reacted at the allegations suggesting that the Pakistan-based Haqqani terrorist network was involved behind the deadly attack on Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul.

“We reject the knee jerk allegations by some Afghan circles to point the finger at Pakistan for the terrorist attack on intercontinental hotel in Kabul,” a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Dr. Mohammad Faisal said.

An Afghan interior ministry spokesman said, Special Forces killed all attackers. Six gunmen stormed into the hotel last night, opening fire on guests and staff and taking dozens of people hostage, including foreigners.