DHAKA: A group of Taliban suicide bombers has attacked a local government headquarters in Afghanistan's eastern Paktia province, killing 10 people, as the country's new president was preparing to be sworn in.

A fighter detonated an explosives laden vehicle at the entrance of a district headquarters in Paktia's Zurmat district on Monday, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire between the Taliban and security officials which resulted in three of the other fighters being killed, reports Al-Jazeera.

At least eight other people, including four police officers, two intelligence staff and two civilians were killed in the attack, police said. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Al Jazeera's Jennifer Glasse, reporting from Kabul, said Afghan security officals have faced a resurgent Taliban, with an average of 18 Afghans killed every day this year.

Also on Monday, two small bombs exploded in the capital Kabul, despite much of the city under a security lockdown, no injuries were reported.

The attacks took place as Ashraf Ghani prepares to be sworn in as the head of a unity government following a deal last week to share powers with his election rival Abdullah Abdullah.

BDST: 1223 HRS, SEP 29, 2014