Afghan forces have cordoned off the government's national security offices in the capital Kabul, following an attack claimed by Taliban militants this morning.

The Afghan health ministry says at least seven were killed, and 327 others were injured. The attacks began as a suicide bomber in a car blasted a building of the National Directorate of Security or NDS during morning rush hour. It was followed by gunfire that lasted more than 30 minutes.

The Taliban said it targeted an NDS unit, and that its fighters had engaged in a gun battle with Afghan forces inside the facility. Today's attacks came several days after the Taliban announced its "Spring offensive." President Ashraf Ghani has condemned the attacks.