Nearly 30 killed in attack in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan

A suicide bomber and extremists armed with assault rifles and explosives attacked a government building in the Afghan capital in an eight-hour-long siege that left 29 people dead and more than 20 wounded, authorities said. It ended when the three gunmen were killed.

The toll could rise as police continue to search the smoldering building, Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

The attack began when the suicide bomber blew up his explosives-laden car in front of the multistory building that houses a public welfare department in an eastern neighborhood of Kabul, Danish said.

Minutes later, three gunmen entered the building and rampaged through the office complex hunting for victims.

Some employees managed to barricade themselves inside offices while police quickly evacuated 357 people, officials said.

Witnesses reported hearing at least five explosions as police and gunmen traded fire. One officer died and three were wounded.