A US air strike in eastern Afghanistan killed 11 civilians, local officials said Wednesday, sparking strong condemnation from President Hamid Karzai who has often criticized the conduct of NATO occupation forces.

A US air strike in eastern Afghanistan killed 11 civilians, local officials said Wednesday, sparking strong condemnation from President Hamid Karzai who has often criticized the conduct of NATO occupation forces.

"Based on information from the (Kunar provincial) governor, as a result of a US aerial bombardment... 11 civilians, including two children and two women, were killed, and 12 more injured," said a statement from the presidential palace.