(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-15 18:54

Kabul -- Three American nationals have been identified among the five people killed Monday in a militants' attack on Serena Hotel, Kabul's only five star hotel, Afghan intelligence chief Amrullah Salih said Tuesday.

"As we have information three Americans, one French lady and one local guard were killed by terrorists in Serana Hotel Monday evening," Salih told reporters at a press conference.

However, he said he did not know who the victims were.

In the attack which took place at 6:15 pm (1345 GMT) Monday, six persons were injured and one of them succumbed to his injuries.

Saleh said the armed militants clashed with the hotel's security guards at the gate with AK-47s and grenades, and one of the militants committed suicide attack after they rushed into the yards.

Earlier, Zamarai Bashari, the spokesman of interior ministry put the number of casualties as six people dead and six others injured in news briefing.  

The attack for which Taliban outfit claimed responsibility occurred at a time when Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store was inside.

Afghan intelligence chief told reporters that the Norwegian dignitary is safe and sound and presently is in Afghanistan.

The Kabul Serena Hotel, situated next to Presidential Palace, is frequently visited by foreign dignitaries and high ranking Afghan officials.  

Salih blamed a militant commander Mullah Abdullah for the attack, adding the accused Abdullah is a closed aide of Taliban commander Sarajudin Haqani and living in Pakistan's tribal area of Miran Shah.

"Three persons have been arrested in this regard and efforts to nab and punish Mullah Abdullah are continuing," the intelligence chief said.

Taliban militants who staged a violent comeback four years ago have vowed to increase attacks in 2008. Moreover, the US commander of the NATO-led multinational force ISAF predicted early this year more Taliban suicide and bombings this year.