The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) on Wednesday confirmed the civilian casualties during a joint military operation in northern Afghanistan.
ISAF following a statement said, ” International Security Assistance Force regrets that civilians were killed Jan. 15 during a deliberately-planned, Afghan-led clearing operation to disrupt insurgent activity in Ghorband district, Parwan province.”
The statement further added, “The mission, led by commandos of the 6th Special Operations Kandak and supported by ISAF special operations advisers, was conducted to disrupt insurgent activities in the district, including attacks on Bagram Airfield, and in support of Afghan National Security Forces’ tactical priorities. Local district and provincial officials were informed in advance of the operation and were provided updates during and after the actions.”
According to the ISAF, the opeation was conducted in a high threat area to target senior Taliban leaders, Qari Nzar Gul and Noorullah, who are involved in major attacks against the Afghan and coaliltion security forces.
ISAF confirmed that two civilians were killed after coalition forces provided defensive air support to Afghan commandos in Ghorband who came under heavy fire from insurgents.
“According to initial operational reports, at least 10 insurgents were killed. Tragically, two civilians inside a building from which insurgents were firing on the commandos were killed,” ISAF said.
ISAF also confirmed the death of one NATO service member during the operation.
In the meatime, the president Hamid Karzai condemned the civilian casualties during the airstrike in Siah Gerd district of Parwan province.
The president palace media office following a statement said, at least seven children and a woman were killed during the airstrike by US forces in Siah Gerd district.
