Taliban Assume Control of Kabul's Serena Hotel Operations

Sunday February 02, 2025 - 22:01:01
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Staff Reporter
Kabul (diplomat.so) - The Taliban have taken over operations of Kabul's only luxury hotel, the Serena Hotel, following its closure by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. The hotel ceased operations on February 1, with management transferred to the state-run Hotel State Owned Corporation under the finance ministry.
The finance ministry has not disclosed the terms of the transition. The Serena, known for hosting international delegations and training Afghan professionals, has been removed from the brand’s website.

The hotel was previously targeted in Taliban attacks in 2008 and 2014. Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has admitted to planning the 2008 attack, which killed eight people, including a U.S. citizen.

The Hotel State Owned Corporation oversees three other hotels in Afghanistan. While authorities have expressed interest in revitalizing tourism, restrictions on women’s access to public spaces, gyms, and salons remain in place.

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