KHOST, Afghanistan -- A raid by US-led forces in Afghanistan Wednesday left six civilians dead, a provincial official said, but the force confirmed only two civilians were killed as well as several rebels.

Two children, a woman and three men were killed in the pre-dawn strike in the eastern province of Khost, provincial government spokesman Khaiber Pashtun said.

The US-led coalition confirmed an operation to "disrupt militant activities" and said a woman and a boy were killed, along with several militants.