Armed militants attacked police headquarters in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Thursday, leaving 12 people dead and more than 80 wounded.
The militants detonated car bombs before exchanging fire with security forces.
Local officials say the victims were police officers and civilians, including children.
The Taliban later issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. The group said its fighters detonated two car bombs and stormed the police office.
The Taliban previously claimed responsibility for two recent bomb attacks, one on July 1 in the capital, Kabul, and the other on July 7 in the southeastern province of Ghazni.
The Taliban and the United States resumed peace talks last month, but the militant group continues to step up operations.
NHK
