Afghanistan Gunbattle: Taliban claims deadly attack on Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul

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The Taliban has claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack on Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel, which left more than 30 people dead and and many more wounded. A handful of gunmen, some with suicide vests, launched the attack Saturday night. As CGTN's Chris Wheelock reports, the casualties could be higher as the search for bodies continues.

The gun battle and siege at the Intercontinental Hotel, the largest in Kabul, played out live on Afghan television. Afghanistan's Interior Ministry says gunmen breached the hotels' north side - entering possibly through the kitchen.

Explosions and gunfire rocked the six-story luxury hotel - which is normally heavily guarded. The attack left many dead, including a number of foreigners and the gunmen. At one point during the siege, Afghan special forces were lowered by helicopter onto the hotel roof.

Trapped in their rooms as fire and smoke spread through the building, some people used bedsheets to climb out windows to safety, while others were at the mercy of the gunmen.

MOHAMMAD MUSA AFGHAN TELECOM EMPLOYEE "When the sixth floor caught fire my roommate told me to either burn or escape. I got a bed sheet and tied it onto the balcony. I tried to come down, but I was heavy and my arms were not strong enough. I fell down and injured my shoulder and leg."

The hotel - which is not part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group chain - was hosting a telecommunications conference. It's frequently used by government officials and international clients. It was the same hotel attacked by Taliban gunmen about six years ago.

Afghan Special Forces rescued about 150 people -- after killing the last gunman early Sunday morning. Some of those who died were employees of Kam Air - a private Afghan airline.

The Interior Ministry is investigating how the gunmen, some of them reportedly armed with suicide vests, were able to get into the hotel. Witnesses said one of the attackers shouted, Where are the foreigners before running through the hotel. Chris Wheelock, CGTN.