The State Department, however, refused to comment on the first official confirmation of such contacts by Karzai. But it did acknowledge a “broad range of contacts” in support of reconciliation efforts to help end a nearly decade-long war as US troops prepare to begin withdrawing next month.

A State Department spokeswoman had “no comment” to offer on the issue. “However, we have consistently supported an Afghan-led process of reconciliation,” spokeswoman Megan Mattson said. “Currently, we have a broad range of contacts across Afghanistan and the region, and at many levels, to support that effort.”

Saturday’s violence underscored the challenges facing any possible negotiated settlement to the war. Three men dressed in Afghan army uniforms stormed the police station near the presidential palace and opened fire on officers,. The Interior Ministry said that one of the attackers detonated a suicide bomb vest outside the gates while the others rushed in and began shooting.

The fighting ended by 3 p.m. when security forces shot dead the two other attackers. Three police officers, one intelligence agent and five civilians were killed in the attack, the Interior Ministry said.

Karzai said some of the Taleban emissaries that have met with members of the peace council he set up were only representing themselves, while others were speaking for the broader movement.