At least 18 people have been killed and several hostages held as heavy fighting continues at the airport in the Afghan city of Kandahar, Khaama press reported quoting officials.

The Taliban said it carried out the attack at the heavily fortified airport on Tuesday evening. They are holding hostages in homes and at a school.

Officials said the attackers had managed to breach the first gate of the complex in the southern city.

The airport compound houses the joint Nato and Afghan military headquarters.

Gunfire could still be heard around the airport complex on Wednesday, officials said.

All flights have been cancelled.

Sources: MENA