KABUL: A US airstrike in eastern Afghanistan killed 11 civilians, local officials said Wednesday, sparking condemnation from President Hamid Karzai who has often criticized the conduct of NATO forces now leaving the country.

Civilian casualties caused by the US-led military coalition during the war against Taleban insurgents have been one of the most contentious issues in the 13-year combat campaign that will end by December.

“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.

“President Hamid Karzai condemns in the strongest terms the bombardment by American forces.”

It added the strike on Tuesday occurred in the Narang district of Kunar, one of the country’s most volatile provinces. Kunar borders Pakistan, where many Taleban seek shelter. NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said it was “currently looking into the circumstances” of the operation.