Australia condemns deadly Afghan attack, moves embassy

AUSTRALIA, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd Tuesday condemned a deadly militant attack on a luxury hotel in the Afghan capital, prompting the relocation of the Australian embassy which was based there.

At least six people were killed and several others were injured in the assault Monday on the Kabul Serena hotel by Taliban insurgents, officials said. "The Australian government condemns this attack on the Serena hotel which we're advised has resulted in loss of life," Rudd told reporters in Sydney.

"I've commended the Australian embassy staff on their courage and professionalism and the way in which they conducted themselves through the events of the past several hours," he said.

"This is sober reminder of the difficult, dangerous operating environment in Afghanistan."

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said the Australian's embassy, which is based at the Serena, had been relocated. No Australians were injured in the attack.

"I am very pleased to report that staff of the embassy are safe and well," Smith said in a statement. "Unfortunately, a number of other nationals were killed in the attack and I extend my deepest sympathies to their families."

The Serena is the main venue for top-level functions of the government, foreign embassies and businesses in the capital, and Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere was in the hotel at the time of the attack.

The US State Department confirmed a US citizen was among the dead, and a Norwegian newspaper said one of its journalists had been killed.

The Taliban, leading an insurgency in Afghanistan after being ousted from power by a US-led invasion in 2001, said four of its men, including a suicide bomber, carried out the attack.

NATO's International Security Assistance Force, which has 40,000 troops in Afghanistan, said hotel guards had shot dead one of the attackers but it was unclear what had happened to any others.

Australia has about 900 troops operating in Afghanistan.

Sydney, Tuesday, AFP