Afghan officials say at least four civilians have been killed by a U.S. air strike in the country’s east.

Kunar province's police chief Abdul Habib Sayedkheli said Afghan security forces asked for NATO support when they came under Taliban attack in Narang district early on September 10.

He said NATO jets targeted the militants, killing seven of them along with four civilians.

He said 10 civilians were also wounded.

NATO said it had no record of civilian casualties during the operation.

Aimal Faizi, a spokesman for President Hamid Karzai, said on Twitter that Karzai strongly condemned the air strike.

Karzai had ordered Afghan security forces not to call for NATO air support, arguing that it causes civilian casualties.

Allegations of civilian deaths have been a frequent cause of friction between Karzai and the military alliance.

Based on reporting by dpa and AP