KABUL, Afghanistan — Militants attacked the British Council in a residential neighborhood in the capital early Friday, British and Afghan officials said, leaving at least four people dead.

A spokesman for the British Embassy, speaking anonymously in line with official policy, confirmed that the attack took place at the British Council compound in Kabul.

“The British Embassy is coordinating with Afghan authorities who are dealing with the ongoing incident,” the spokesman said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which came on the day Afghans celebrate gaining independence from Britain in 1919. The British Council is a British government agency promoting education, culture and the arts in 110 countries.