In one compound, Mr. Lalai and the visiting team found 11 bodies, all from the same family.

WSJ: Shootings Fray Afghan Ties

"If they are attacking the house of the nation, I have to fight them, " said Lalai Hamidzai, one of the two lawmakers who fought off the attack.

WSJ: Afghan Insurgents Strike Across Nation

The minister said Mr Lalai had tried illegally to import 1, 970 cars and that he and other lawmakers often persuaded custom officers to allow their contraband shipments into the country.

BBC: 'Corrupt' Afghan MPs are named in parliament