Two suicide attackers and two bodyguards have died in a gunfight in the governor's compound in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province.

Authorities say the militants entered the compound Saturday without their weapons being detected, killing the guards and taking their rifles.

An ensuing gunfight with security forces lasted about 30 minutes. Police also found an explosives-laden vehicle outside the compound.

The provincial governor, Tooryalai Wesa, was not hurt in the incident, which also left one bodyguard wounded.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.