Tourists and guide killed by gunmen at hotel in Pakistan

Nine foreign tourists and a tour guide have been killed by gunmen at a hotel in a remote part of northern Pakistan.

Officials say five Ukrainians, three Chinese and a Russian tourist were shot, as well as their Pakistani guide in the attack on Saturday night near the base camp for the 8,125-metre snow-covered Nanga Parbat peak.

According to AFP, the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility and said it has set up a new faction to kill foreigners to avenge US drone strikes after its second in command was killed on the Afghan border.

The tourists were climbers staying at a base camp for the second highest mountain in Pakistan and the ninth highest in the world.

Diamer police official Mohammed Naveed told AFP: "The incident took place around 10:00 pm (1700 GMT Saturday). They were mountaineers."

"Gunmen came and opened fire on them. It is confirmed that they have been killed," he said.

The attackers reportedly entered a hotel where the tourists were staying, tied up hotel staff and took the foreigners' money and passports before shooting them.

Pakistan condemned the attack and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered a thorough investigation for the culprits to be brought to justice for "these inhuman and cruel acts".

According to the BBC, a Chinese tourist has survived the attack.

Another guide is also reported alive after the shoot-out.