2nd LD Writethru: 9 killed in Afghan capital guesthouse attack: official

Some nine people, including four attackers, were killed during a shoot out at a guesthouse in Afghan capital Kabul overnight Wednesday, an official source said on Thursday.

Four gunmen attacked the Park Palace Hotel frequented by foreigners late on Wednesday night. The counter attack ended early Thursday morning, a security official told Xinhua anonymously.

"Among the killed were one U.S. citizen and at least two other foreigners. An investigation is underway and details will be revealed later on Thursday," the official added.

"A dinner party was underway when the shooting began at around 08:30 p.m. local time Wednesday, four attackers were shot dead by security forces and six people were wounded during the firing," he said.

He said more than 50 people were rescued by Afghan special forces.

Further details about the incident are still forthcoming amid the absence of official statement.

No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack, but the Taliban insurgent group routinely claims responsibility for such attacks.

The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since mid-April when the militant group launched an annual rebel offensive against Afghan security forces.

The Taliban urged civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as the legitimate targets by militants besides warning people not to support the government. Endi