Protest in Afghan east after civilian deaths

KABUL, Apr 29 (Reuters) Hundreds of Afghans, some shouting ''Death to America'', protested in the east today after six people were killed during a raid by US-led coalition forces.

Nangahar police spokesman Abdul Ghafur said the six dead were all civilians, including three women, but 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 today morning raid had targeted a car bomb cell when its soldiers came under fire.

''We are saddened at the loss of civilian life,'' said Major Chris Belcher said in the statement. ''It is extremely unfortunate that militants put others' lives in danger by hiding among their families.'' Angry demonstrators blocked a main road near the provincial capital, Jalalabad, with tree branches.

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

Several hundred civilians have died in fighting this year, most due to attacks by the Taliban, including suicide bombings, but a significant number also due to action by foreign forces.

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 underway. That incident also triggered a major protest.

In another joint Coalition and Afghan raid in southeastern Khost province on Sunday a suspected insurgent was detained.

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

Fighting is picking up again after the traditional winter lull.

President Hamid Karzai head to Turkey on Sunday, where he is due to meet Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, with the Taliban's use of Pakistani territory for shelter and training.

Islamabad denies any formal continuing support for the group it helped to power in the 1990s, but the issue has soured relations between the two neighbours.

REUTERS SKB BD1340