Taliban 'Takeovers' Five-Star Kabul Serena Hotel From Aga Khan Development Network

Reliable sources reported to Afghanistan International that the Taliban recently took over the five-star Kabul Serena Hotel from the Aga Khan Development Network.

Renovated in 2002 by the Aga Khan Development Network, the hotel played an important role in attracting tourists and catering to foreign officials.

The Taliban took over the management of the Serena Hotel last week, contrary to a previous understanding between the Aga Khan Development Network and the Afghan government, sources said.

The Taliban has not yet commented on the matter. Afghanistan International asked Aga Khan Development Network officials about the current situation at the Serena Hotel, but they said that they did not want to comment on the matter at this time.

After the Taliban's arrival in Kabul, the Serena Hotel continued to welcome senior foreign officials and hosted figures such as Faiz Hameed, the head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and William Burns, the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Built in the centre of Kabul and amidst beautiful gardens, this hotel is known as one of the outstanding reconstruction projects in Afghanistan. The Aga Khan Development Network has announced the construction cost of the hotel at $25 million.