An investigation into US-led airstrikes that slammed into Afghan homes where Taliban fighters sought shelter found that 62 insurgents and 45 civilians were killed, two Afghan officials said today.

At least 21 civilians were killed during an airstrike in support of Nato forces fighting with insurgents in southern Afghanistan, a senior government official said today.

A suicide bomber struck outside the home of a southern Afghan provincial governor today, killing or wounding 18 people, officials said.