Welcome to the Serena Hotel

"Initial entry is through a solid metal gate, located on the outer perimeter of the hotel. That perimeter includes thick concrete blast walls and fortified guard posts. Once through that gate, armed guards check your passport or other identification papers. Bags are examined thoroughly, individuals are frisked.
"From there you walk to the door of a second solid steel wall. An armed guard lets you in.
"You then walk into a room where you pass through an airport-style metal detector. Bags are X-rayed and individuals can be physically searched again. From there you go through a door, where you enter the courtyard of the hotel. In the courtyard are armoured SUVs and other vehicles assigned to transport VIPs/diplomats/businesspeople staying at the Serena.
"Walking through the front doors of the hotel, you enter the lobby. There are no armed guards visible but a number of hotel security staff are present at all times. For security reasons, photography of the inside of the hotel is discouraged."
David Pugliese, journalist, The Ottawa Citizen

Kabul Serena -- hotel photos

Located in downtown Kabul, in a very protected area of the capital of Afghanistan, the 177-room hotel is hailed as an "oasis of serenity", complete with "world-class security measures and procedures." Good thing, too, since it is located in a very dangerous part of the world. A part of the world where volatile, dangerous situations arise quickly. Where religious fanatics practise the art of "martyrdom", which means they are prepared to die to ensure that many others will, too.

This, to send a message. A complex message consisting of the first notification that it is their pleasure and to their honour to die nobly on behalf of Islamist jihad. And that their utmost wish is to distinguish themselves as martyrs by taking as many innocent lives as conceivably possible. The more impressive will be their sacrifice for Islam. They envision a lavish welcome in Paradise in recognition for their martyrdom. The cause is great, the victims are many.

The Serena Hotel was built by the Aga Khan signifying his commitment to aid in the rebuilding of Afghanistan. The hotel is meant to attract members of the international community; consultants, diplomats, aid workers, businessmen, any who can afford to stay there, and to eat at either of their two restaurants. The palatial interior boasts high standards and above all, a safe environment in an extremely unsafe geography.

The security of the hotel is deemed among the most professional and extensive in the country. Around 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, four men still in their teens entered the hotel, with the explanation that they were there for dinner. Given the close scrutiny, examination, and precautions taken on the entrance of all patrons, it hasn't been explained how it might be that four young men would not be detained, questioned, closely searched before being admitted, satisfying security that their presence was no threat.

Security officials display guns and bullets of the insurgents. Reuters

They carried with them, purportedly, small, deadly handguns. It is alleged that they settled themselves discreetly to a bathroom, hiding for three hours, to emerge after 9:00 p.m. when most guests would have arrived for a new year celebration. And then, they opened fire. Five Afghans were killed, an American and a Paraguayan and two Canadians. Six people were wounded, including a child, a foreigner, two policemen, a hotel guard and an Afghan parliamentarian.

"This attack shows that our people, if they decide to attack any place, they can do it". commented one Mujahid in an assessment of the situation. Azbihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack, explaining that the four young men who had been shot dead by police after a three-hour standoff, were targeting foreigners and dignitaries.

Paradise awaits them.