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KABUL - An allegation that the International Security Assistance Force caused civilian casualties was made in Kandahar province yesterday. The allegation is currently being investigated.
Insurgents attacked an Afghan National Army convoy in the vicinity of Wazir village in the Zharay District of Kandahar on Highway 1 yesterday morning shortly before noon, wounding one soldier.
In response, a coalition aircraft engaged armed insurgents once they were positively identified and seen using their weapons. Following the strike, a further two insurgents were observed rescuing the injured fighters and moving them into the back of a truck and then driving away from the area.
Yesterday afternoon, an allegation of civilian casualties was made, providing a time and location that coincided with the engagement.
ISAF immediately began reviewing the incident, and it has since been learned that there were civilians in the area.
It was also reported today that the insurgents hijacked the vehicle, which was used to transport their fighters, from a local resident following the engagement with combined forces.
"It is likely that the insurgents used the cover of nearby civilians in an attempt to hide from coalition forces," said U.S. Air Force Col. James Dawkins, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "Because preventing civilian casualties and protecting the Afghan people are so important to us, we are deeply saddened over this latest event. We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims."
The number of casualties and extent of injuries is still being verified. A joint investigation is underway to determine the details of the incident.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2010 14:11 |
| Story ID: | 55618 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
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