Afghanistan ? Militants stormed Kabul’s most popular luxury hotel Monday, killing at least seven people as they hunted down Westerners who cowered in a gym – a coordinated assault that could signal a new era of brazen Taliban attacks.

The gunmen threw grenades and fired AK-47s, and one even blew himself up despite heavy security at the Serena Hotel. One American and a journalist from Norway were among the dead, officials said.

More than 30 U.S. soldiers in a half-dozen Humvees rushed to the hotel as part of a quick reaction force.

The assailants appeared to concentrate their assault on the Serena’s gym and spa, where foreigners relax and work out at night, suggesting the militants had cased the hotel in advance.