Kabul - A top Afghan female police officer was shot dead by Taliban militants in southern Kandahar province, while three civilians were killed in a international military airstrike in eastern region, officials said Sunday.

Malalai Kakar, head of female officers of provincial police department Kandahar, was shot dead by two gunmen riding on motorbike on Sunday morning, said Zelmai Ayoubi, spokesman for the provincial governor.

Kakar died on the spot in Chounai area of Kandahar city, while her son who was riding in the same vehicle was wounded, Ayoubi said.

Taliban spokesman Qari Mohammad Yousif Ahmadi took responsibility for the attack and claimed that Kakar's son was also killed in the shooting.

Kakar had received several threats in the past to leave the job or face consequences, he added.

Meanwhile, three civilians were killed in Asmar district of eastern Kunar province on Saturday night in a coalition military airstrike, said General Abdul Jalal, provincial police chief.

He said the aircraft was supposed to target Taliban militants, but instead hit a civilian house.

More than 4,000 people - including nearly 1,500 civilians - have been killed in Afghanistan's conflicts so far this year. (dpa)