An Afghan official says Taliban fighters have attacked a corps of security forces in their camp in southern Helmand province, killing at least 23.

Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, said Saturday that 16 other forces were wounded in the attack that ended Friday night in Washer district.

Qari Yusouf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said the insurgent group was responsible for the attack, which came as Taliban negotiators met for talks with the U.S. peace envoy in the Middle Eastern state of Qatar.

Zwak said the attack began when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at Shorab camp. He said three other suicide bombers blew themselves up and 16 Taliban gunmen were killed during 17 hours of fighting.