U.S., NATO Forces Join Gunbattles With Attackers in Afghanistan Hotel Raid

The popular Inter-Continental hotel in Kabul came under attack by suicide bombers and gunmen Tuesday, a U.S. official told Fox News. U.S. forces were called in to assist in gunbattles with assailants in the hotel, while NATO said its helicopters killed three of the attackers.

Afghanistan news agency TOLOnews is reporting at least 10 people have been killed in the attacks, but that number has yet to be independently confirmed.Afghan officials said there were four suicide bombers and four gunmen involved in the raid, who all appeared to have been killed. Multiple explosions were heard in the initial attacks. Later, two bodies were seen at the hotel's entrance.

After the blasts, Afghan officials reported gunfire between insurgents on the hotel's roof and police stationed on hilltops in the surrounding area. Associated Press reporters at the scene said another two blasts -- about a minute apart -- occurred around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Afghan police battled the assailants with machine-gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades as tracer rounds went up over the blacked-out building. 

Two NATO helicopters flew over the roof of the hotel and killed three of the attackers. At least one rocket was fired from the helicopters.The police have secured the area around the hotel, which is one of Kabul's most heavily guarded.