Afghan officials say at least five suicide attackers have launched an attack on the headquarters of the national intelligence service in Kabul.

Witnesses say a vehicle loaded with explosives pulled up outside the gate of the National Directorate of Security and detonated, causing a sizable blast that sent a plume of smoke into the air. Other attackers approached on foot and were apprehended by security guards. A volley of gunshots was heard in the aftermath of the blast.

Officials say about 30 people were wounded in the blast, which sent glass and metal spewing from nearby shops.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

The blast comes just days after Afghan President Hamid Karzai returned from a trip to Washington, where he held talks on Afghan security with U.S. President Barack Obama.