(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) KABUL (Pajhwok): Trader representatives and owners of hotels in Kabul on Monday feared the deadly attack on the Intercontinental Hotel would result in capital flight from the country.
More than 20 people, including 13 foreign nationals, were killed and 12 others were wounded when gunmen stormed the luxurious hotel late on Saturday and battled Afghan Special Forces through the night.
Officials of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) and Hotels€™ Owners Union on Monday dubbed insecurity as a huge challenge for investment in Afghanistan.
The attack, claimed by the Taliban, also damaged several parts of the hotel causing millions of dollars in losses to the hotel€™s structure.
Siyamuddin Pasarlai, ACCI spokesman, about security threats to entrepreneurs told Pajhwok Afghan News that when heavily fortified hotels were not safe, no entrepreneur would dare to come and invest in Afghanistan.€œBecause no one feels safe here.€
Ensuring security of special places was responsibility of security and intelligence agencies, Pasarlai argued, alleging dereliction of duty in ensuring security of the hotel.
Waheedullah Shifajo, a member of Hotel Owners€™ Association in Kabul, said the attack on the securest hotel in Kabul had resulted in worries. €œIt dealt a huge blow to the country€™s economic situation and would result in affecting the investment in the country.€
The attack by five gunmen dressed in army uniforms caused shock and questions are being raised how they were able to penetrate security at one of the most prominent landmarks in the capital.
Many details of what happened in the attack remain unclear as the final toll of at least 20 dead, including 13 foreigners, many of them air crew of Kam Air, remains uncertain.
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