Attackers stormed the New Kabul Bank branch in the center of Gardez in Paktia on Saturday afternoon killing at least two civilians, Toryalai Abdiani, Paktia Police Chief confirmed.

The attack lasted at least two hours and was finally brought to an end after all three attackers had been killed by security forces.

The incident started at about 2.30pm local time when a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the entrance to the bank, allowing two additional attackers to storm the building, which is in a crowded part of the city.

Officials confirmed that in addition to the two civilians killed, at least 30 were wounded. 

Local officials said a second suicide bomber also detonated his explosives inside the bank.

Meanwhile, President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack and said via Twitter that it was "a cynical assault on Afghan people living their lives and doing business."