At least 18 people including eight civilians, two policemen and eight attackers were killed when a group of Taliban armed with suicide vests and weapons stormed the Intercontinental Hotel in Afghan capital Kabul late Tuesday night sparking a four-hour gun battle, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday.

Afghan soldiers run at the site of attack in Kabul, Afghanistan on June 29, 2011. A luxury hotel was attacked in Afghan capital Kabul Tuesday night, leaving over a dozen people dead or injured, an eye witness said. (Xinhua/Ahmad Massoud)

The statement said the attack begun at around 11:00 p.m. local time Tuesday and the operation against the attackers concluded at 03:00 a.m. local time Wednesday.

"As a result of timely reaction of Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army and Coalition forces backed by air power of the NATO-led international troops, all the eight suicide bombers were killed," said the statement.

The statement added nine others were injured including one policeman.

"Ministry of Interior Affairs condemns in its strongest term this terrorist attack," the statement said.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, speaking to media by telephone from undisclosed locations, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying some Taliban fighters equipped with suicide vests and light arms stormed the Intercontinental Hotel and inflicted casualties to foreigners and Afghans there.

The Intercontinental Hotel is one of the fortified accommodations in Kabul frequented by foreigners and Afghan officials.

Officials estimated that there were 60 to 70 guests staying at the hotel, which sits on a hill overlooking the capital.

U.S. President Barack Obama announced last week a plan to withdraw some 10,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan this year and an additional 23,000 by the end of September 2012.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet