KABUL — Heavily armed Taliban gunmen stormed a lakeside hotel near Kabul, sending terrified guests jumping from windows or into a lake to try to escape the onslaught. Eighteen people were killed in the 12-hour rampage, their bullet-riddled bodies strewn on carpets, on the lawn and a blood-smeared patio.
The attack, which ended at midday Friday, was a reminder of the Taliban’s determination to scare the Afghan people and undermine efforts to stabilize the nation as U.S.-led forces prepare to withdraw.
The insurgents arrived shortly before midnight at the Spozhmai hotel, in a wooded area on the banks of the turquoise-colored Qargha Lake, where Afghan families often go to relax and forget about the war.
The gunmen — toting machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and vests laden with explosives — killed the security guards, then pushed inside and began firing at guests who were having late-night meals. Gunfire rang out for hours. Afghan forces and coalition troops battled the militants and helped rescue more than 40 guests.
