Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Armed insurgents killed nine people during a raid on a bank in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, and at least three militants were killed, officials said.
The attackers stormed a branch of the Kabul Bank in Jalalabad, the provincial capital of Nangarhar, said Ahmadzia Abdulzai, a spokesman for the provincial governor.
The head of the province's public health department, Baz Mohammad Sherzad, confirmed the nine deaths, and Abdulzai said three insurgents were killed and as many as 70 people were wounded.
The NATO command in Afghanistan said reports indicated that it might have been a suicide attack. It issued a statement saying three people apparently entered the bank wearing suicide vests and detonated themselves.
But Abdulzai couldn't confirm a suicide strike but said there were many casualties because of explosions in the building.
Fighting between insurgents and security forces lasted for more than four hours, Abdulzai said. An eyewitness said some civilians were taken hostage.
The attackers "blatantly targeted Afghan civilians" in what he called a "truly vile attack," said Rear Adm. Vic Beck, a spokesman for NATO's International Security Assistance Force.
"We hope the grieving hearts of those who have lost loved ones, as well as the injuries of those who survived the attack, heal quickly. We will continue working with the Afghan government in bringing those responsible to justice."
Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack, which came a day after militants launched two other assaults, killing 14 people in the eastern region of the country.
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul on Saturday issued a statement condemning the Friday bombings, which occurred in Khost and Nangarhar provinces.
The Khost incident killed 11 people and wounded 41 others, said Abdul Hakim Esaqzai, a spokesman for the provincial governor. Women and children were among the wounded and the powerful blast destroyed vehicles.
The attack in Nangarhar province Friday killed three police officers, the embassy said.
"The United States condemns in the strongest terms the suicide bombing yesterday in Khost province and roadside bomb attack in Nangarhar," an embassy statement said.
"The United States will continue to stand with our Afghan partners as they defend themselves against terrorism and build a more peaceful future."
Khost and Nangarhar border Pakistan, where al Qaeda and Taliban militants have a strong presence.
By the CNN Wire Staff