It was the latest attack showing the insurgents’ ability to penetrate the heavily secured city — even near the presidential palace and government ministries. Militants have become increasingly brazen in challenging Afghan and international forces as the US and NATO allies begin sending 37,000 more troops to join the fight.

The attack unfolded on a day in which confirmed Cabinet members were to be sworn in by President Hamid Karzai despite the rejection by parliament of the majority of his choices. His spokesman, Waheed Omar, said the president would announce caretakers for the vacant posts.

Omar could not immediately be reached for comment about the Cabinet or the Afghan leader's whereabouts.

Police sealed off a large area in the center of Kabul as the clash of machine-gun fire echoed through the mountain-rimmed city. Helicopters buzzed overhead. A car that exploded between a shopping center and the Ministry of Education burned in the street.

One group of militants entered the shopping center after throwing grenades inside to frighten shoppers, Interior Ministry spokesman Zemari Bashary said.

“The area is surrounded by security forces,” he said. “A gunbattle is going on."

NATO, which said international forces were working with Afghan forces to secure the area, said Afghan troops had killed at least two armed insurgents while clearing a building at a shopping centre.

The Public Health Ministry reported at least nine people were wounded.

The Taliban spokesman claimed Afghan troops had been killed, but that could not be immediately confirmed.

Mohib Safi, deputy governor of the central bank, said bank employees heard a strong explosion followed by gunfire. He said employees were safely inside and that no militants had entered the building.

Another huge explosion was heard less than two hours later at an intersection near the Education Ministry.

Afghan security forces surrounded the area, and fighting between the two sides was continuing. Ambulances transported the wounded from the scene.

The attack was reminiscent of an Oct. 28 ambush against a Kabul guest house in which at least 11 people died, including five UN staff and three attackers.

A suicide car bomber also struck outside the Indian Embassy on 8 October, killing at least 17 people.