Reply #3: Civilian Deaths Confirmed in Afghan Battle, still unclear how many [View All]

[maddezmom]

Civilian Deaths Confirmed in Afghan Battle

By JASON STRAZIUSO
The Associated Press
Friday, May 11, 2007; 2:51 AM

KABUL, Afghanistan -- The U.S.-led coalition confirmed late Thursday that a battle between U.S. forces and Taliban militants in southern Afghanistan caused civilian casualties and that a joint Afghan-U.S. investigation is under way.

The governor of Helmand province has said 21 civilians were killed in airstrikes Tuesday in the Sangin area of Helmand province, though residents of the area said the civilian death toll was higher.

In a statement late Thursday, the coalition said it had treated 20 Afghan civilians wounded in the 16-hour battle, including a child who later died.

"There are confirmed reports of civilian casualties," but it was unclear how many, the statement said. "A joint Afghan and coalition force inquiry is being conducted."

more:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/10/AR2007051000846.html