Afghan officials say a suicide car bomb blast has killed four people near the offices of a non-government organization in the southern city of Kandahar.

Authorities say at least four people were wounded in the Monday morning blast.

After the explosion, armed insurgents rushed into the area and seized control of an animal clinic. Afghan officials say the insurgents exchanged gunfire with security forces.

The bombing took place near a compound used by several international organizations, including United Nations agencies.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the blast. A Taliban spokesman said a U.N. agency was the target of the attack. However, local officials said the car bomb exploded outside the offices of the U.S.-based International Relief and Development organization.