KABUL, Afghanistan — An investigation has concluded that two Afghans were sadly killed, and two wounded, during an incident involving the Afghan national army, International Security Assistance Force troops and insurgents on April 27 near Basharan, Helmand province, southern Afghanistan.
During an ANA-led operation, local security forces and ISAF troops came under sustained small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire from insurgents positioned close to civilian compounds. To break contact with the insurgents during this dangerous incident, ANA and ISAF troops requested close air support. An aircraft supported the soldiers by dropping one bomb.
Tragically, two civilians were killed and two wounded as a result of the air strike. Three insurgents were also wounded during the incident.
Lt. Col. Nick Richardson, Spokesperson for Task Force Helmand, said: "While the greatest of care is taken by ISAF troops to avoid any harm to civilians, regrettably, insurgents continue to deliberately launch attacks from civilian areas, thus endangering civilian lives."
ANA and ISAF are conducting Shuras with local community leaders to discuss the incident.
ISAF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Richard Blanchette, said: "ISAF sends its sincere condolences to the families of those civilians killed and wounded in this incident. Every Afghan life is important, and ISAF is working very hard with local communities to ensure a safe and secure Afghanistan."
Date Taken: | 05.07.2009 |
Date Posted: | 05.07.2009 08:31 |
Story ID: | 33307 |
Location: | KABUL, AF |
Web Views: | 252 |
Downloads: | 245 |
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