US denies Afghan civilians killed

Local officials in south-eastern Afghanistan say six civilians have been killed in a United States air strike near the Pakistani border.

The United States has denied the allegation, saying US-led forces killed five suspected al-Qaeda militants in an exchange of fire.

The incident took place on Friday in Barmal district, Paktika Province.

A US spokesman said eight Afghan soldiers were injured in the clash and evacuated to receive medical treatment.