Gunmen storm Turkish hotel

ISTANBUL, Turkey -- A group of armed men have forced their way in to the Swissotel in Istanbul.

The men are demanding to speak with Turkish Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan.

It was not clear if anyone was injured or how many hostages were taken.

Hundreds of police surrounded the hotel early Monday and at least six ambulances are reported to be outside.

Police say they think the men are Chechen rebels.

Hotel worker Alisan Ercan said he heard shots and saw four or five gunmen in the lobby as he ran from the hotel.

Hotel guests were hiding between tables in the lobby, Ercan said.

The Chechen struggle is popular in Turkey. Turks not only share the Islamic faith with Chechens, but about 5 million Turks trace their roots to Caucasus areas such as Chechnya. Some 25,000 Chechens live in Istanbul and western Turkey.

There are about 80 Caucasus organisations in Turkey and many have been active in promoting the Chechen cause.

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