Like Ayatollah Khomeini once said, “there is no fun in Islam.”

(CS Monitor) — Taliban militants attacked a popular resort near Kabul late Thursday night and battled with Afghan security forces well into Friday morning, underscoring the group’s continued ability to mount serious challenges to security even in the capital.

Up to seven insurgents stormed a restaurant and hotel at 11:30 Thursday night and took the guests hostage, including children. Afghan police officials say that between 250 and 300 hostages were freed within the first hours of the clashes, but another 40 weren’t freed until morning. Several guests jumped into the lake to escape the attack, but, unable to swim, clung to a stone wall until police could rescue them in the morning. At least 20 people died in the fighting.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack, saying that Afghan government officials and foreigners frequent the restaurant and hotel and drink alcohol there.

“The mujahideen entered a small hotel and attacked a neighboring hotel that was used by foreigners for their illicit fun and having parties. It was a special hotel for Afghan government officials and foreigners,” says Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban.