The American State Department has condemned today’s attack on the British Council compound in Kabul.
The US Secretary of State called the attack "vicious" and said the country offered its condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed and injured.
Hillary Clinton said in a statement, "Brutal attacks such as these will not lessen our resolve or our commitment to Afghanistan and the region.
"The United States will continue to support the Afghan people and to assist the Afghan government, security forces, and civil society as they rebuild after decades of war.”
Earlier, David Cameron had described the attack in similar terms, as one that was vicious and cowardly, but ultimately unsuccessful.
The British Prime Minister added that it would not halt what he called the “vital work” of helping bring peace to Afghanistan, during the ongoing transition of authority to the country’s own forces.
The dead include Afghan policemen and security guards and a New Zealand Special Forces officer, officials have confirmed to the BBC.
What turned into an eight-hour siege began soon after morning prayers. Staff inside the compound were led to an underground bunker where they were forced to remain for several hours, while a gun battle went on above them. They were eventually freed by security forces.
The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes on the anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence from the British in 1919.
The gunmen were reportedly disguised in burkhas, which had allowed them to evade checkpoints.
The BBC's Correspondent Quentin Somerville reports that the number of attacks in Kabul has decreased and security improved, as Afghan forces are trained in preparation for taking over the responsibility for protecting their country.
British and American soldiers will soon start to leave the region. Today’s attack is being seen as a strong message that the Taliban are intent on making this transition process as unstable and difficult to achieve as possible.