Civilians accidentally killed during operation to capture Taliban commander

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.03.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL- During the course of an operation conducted by an Afghan-international force searching for a Taliban sub-commander responsible for ambushes, suicide bombings and assassinations in the Kandahar area, a joint force accidentally killed two civilians, including a woman, and wounded another.

The joint security force went to a series of compounds in the village of Amin Kalacheh in Kandahar district and was engaged by armed individuals. The force detained the Taliban commander, killed one insurgent, and wounded another.

While conducting the operation, an Afghan male exited a compound, demonstrated hostile intent and was engaged by the security force. When the joint force subsequently secured the compound, they discovered an Afghan male wounded by small arms fired from the security force outside the compound. Inside the compound the security force discovered the Afghan female who had been killed and an additional Afghan male wounded. It was initially assessed that the female was
killed by stray rounds fired from the security force.

The wounded males were evacuated for medical treatment and one later died of his wounds.

Afghan and coalition forces realize innocent bystanders' lives are put at risk when insurgents deliberately conduct activities within their communities. Our forces go to great lengths to avoid injuring innocent Afghan civilians and protect them throughout all of our operations. The joint security force, along with local elders and government officials, are working together to review this unfortunate incident.

"We take accidents such as this very seriously, and we remain fully committed to protecting the people of Afghanistan and take every precaution to prevent civilian casualties," said Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, ISAF Joint Command spokesperson.

• Date Taken: 07.03.2010
• Date Posted: 07.03.2010 03:16
• Story ID: 52326
• Location: KABUL, AF