Smoke and flames rise from burning vehicles at the site of an attack in front of the Afghan Parliament building in Kabul on June 22, 2015.

Taliban militants have carried out a car bomb attack near the Russian embassy and Afghan parliament in the capital, Kabul.

The explosion on Monday was followed by gunfire between the militants and Afghan security forces.

Some gunmen have reportedly stormed the house of Naeem Baloch, the anti-Taliban former governor of Helmand Province, which is located near the Russian embassy.

Taliban militants have claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying Baloch was their main target.

Baloch, however, has reportedly escaped unhurt from the attack on his home. He had left his house 30 minutes before the attack.

Afghan media reports quoted local residents as saying that they heard two blasts. Four people were reportedly injured while nearby properties were damaged.

Families are also said to have been evacuated and security forces have cordoned off the roads leading to the scene of the explosions.

Power is purportedly cut in the area.

Afghanistan is gripped by insecurity nearly 14 years after the United States and its allies attacked the country in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror.

Although the attack overthrew the Taliban, many areas across Afghanistan still face violence and insecurity.