Afghan officials said Friday its security forces have freed 18 civilians after a Taliban attack on a hotel on the outskirts of Kabul. Authorities said two of the attackers are dead.

Taliban suicide bombers and gunmen attacked the hotel late Thursday, seizing civilian hostages, including women and children.

The attack set off an hours-long gunbattle with Afghan security forces and the fighting continued Friday morning.

A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters had targeted a hotel being used by foreigners.

Officials said early Friday at least three of the militants remain inside the Spozhmai Hotel.

There were reports of civilian and police casualties, but details were not immediately available.

Police say the Taliban insurgents, armed with rocket-propelled grenades and Kalashnikov rifles, attacked the hotel on the shores of Qargha Lake, where guests and families had gathered for a party. The hotel is popular with wealthy Afghans, businessmen, and foreigners.

The attack came hours after Afghan President Hamid Karzai told parliament that insurgent attacks against Afghan police and soldiers are increasing as foreign combat troops prepare to pull out of the country.