KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban militants attacked the residence of an American charity and a nearby day care center in Kabul today, sparking a three-hour gunbattle that unfolded as foreigners, including women and children, fled the scene, officials said.

The assault, which killed an Afghan girl caught in the crossfire, comes as foreigners have been increasingly targeted in the Afghan capital as part of an overall surge in violence ahead of April 5 elections.

Authorities offered conflicting information as they worked to secure the area, but all agreed the violence started when a suicide bomber blew himself up in front of the gate of a guesthouse being used by the California-based Roots of Peace group. The organization specializes in agricultural development and advises Afghanistan’s Agriculture Ministry.

Roots of Peace issued a statement saying there apparently were casualties at the day care center, and that five attackers and one child have been confirmed killed.

By The Associated Press