Hundreds of Afghans, some shouting "Death to America", have protested in the east of the country after six people were killed during a raid by US-led coalition forces.

Abdul Ghafur, Nangahar police spokesman, said the six dead, including three women, were all civilians.

However, the US military said four of those killed were Taliban fighters and a woman and a teenage girl died in crossfire.

The military said the early on Sunday morning raid had targeted a car bomb cell when its soldiers came under fire.

In a statement, Major Chris Belcher said: "We are saddened at the loss of civilian life.

"It is extremely unfortunate that militants put others' lives in danger by hiding among their families."

Demonstrators blocked a main road near the provincial capital, Jalalabad, with tree branches.

Suicide car bomb

Some also chanted "Death to Karzai", referring to the president, Hamid Karzai, who is seen by some Afghans as too close to his Western allies.

Last month, US marines killed several civilians when they opened fire in Nangahar after their convoy was hit by a suicide car bomb.

The unit was recalled to the United States soon after and an inquiry is under way.

That incident also triggered a large protest.

More than 4,000 people - including 1,000 civilians - died last year in the worst fighting since the Taliban was ousted in 2001.

Fighting is picking up again after the traditional winter lull.