At least 10 people have been killed after suicide bombers and gunmen attacked the British Council compound in Kabul, the Afghan capital.
The attack on Friday morning came on the 92nd anniversary of the country's independence from Britain. The Taliban, who claimed responsibility for the attack, said they had planned to coincide with the public holiday.
"Today is our independence day from Britain. They recognised our independence 92 years ago; today's attack was marking that day," Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, told the AFP news agency.
"Now the British have invaded our country again and they will recognise our independence day again."
The British Foreign Office confirmed all UK nationals were safe following the attack.
The assault began early on Friday morning when a car bomb exploded outside the building, while suicide attackers stormed inside, according to Afghan police.
A battle between Afghan and Nato security forces broke out as gunmen entered the building. Police sources told the BBC that "eight or nine suicide attackers" had stormed the compound carrying "enough weapons to fight for a day".
Afghan police officers, security guards and at least one foreign national were among the dead, local media reported.
The BBC also reported that occupants of the council building may have taken refuge in a reinforced safe room in the compound.
Three foreigners trapped in a bunker in the building were reported freed. A gunman who had continued to exchange fire with Nato and Afghan forces was eventually killed, local media said.
The British Council is an international cultural relations body which aims to help people in Afghanistan learn English. It has operated in the country since 2002, following a hiatus during the Soviet occupation.
Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt condemned the attack but said it would not "lessen the UK's resolve to support the Afghan people".
"It is a sad fact that once again an attack aimed at the international community has killed Afghans.
“I can confirm that all British nationals affected are now safe. It is due to the presence of mind of the staff involved and our good security measures that no British nationals were hurt."
“This attack, against people working to help build a better future for Afghanistan, will not lessen the UK’s resolve to support the Afghan people.”