Kabul, 12 March (AKI) - At least five civilians were killed during a NATO airstrike in the southern Afghan province of Helmand on Monday, according to a local tribal leader but NATO troops have however denied this report saying that two insurgents were killed in the course of fighting in the area. According to statements made by tribal leader Mira Jan Adil to China's Xinhua news agency, the air force of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), carried out an air strike around 3.00 am local time, and hit the home of Hajji Yar Mohammad, in the district of Gereshk.
Five civilians including women and children were killed and four people were injured. Hajji Mohammad Agha, a member of the family which was hit, confirmed that the attack occured but refused to provide any details.
An ISAF spokesperson denied the charges saying that the strike was carried out after NATO forces themselves came under fire. "Militants opened fire from the house, injuring one ISAF and two Afghan soldiers," said ISAF spokesperson David Marsh, who is based in the neighboring Kandahar province. "The soldiers then called in air support," he was quoted as saying in the Xinhua report. He said that two militants were killed in the attack. |