Up to seven suicide bombers attacked government buildings in the east Afghanistan city of Khost.
The US military said it had heard reports of suicide bombers in Khost but Afghan security had brought the attack under control.
Afghan and US forces are battling a growing Taliban-led insurgency in the east.
Afghan Defence Ministry spokesman Zahir Azimi said a car packed with explosives had been detonated in Khost, near the Pakistan border.
That attack was followed by three suicide bombs and lengthy gun battles.
Khost provincial police chief Abdul Qayum Baqizoy said suicide bombers had attacked two government buildings, wounding three civilians and a police officer.
A Taliban spokesman identifying himself as Salahuddin Ayoubi claimed responsibility for the attacks on behalf of the militants.
'We sent four suicide bombers who have attacked several government offices,' the rebel spokesman said but gave no further details.
