23 civilians killed in US air strike in southern Afghanistan, UN investigation confirms
- Initial findings show most of the victims of Helmand air strikes were women and children
At least 23 civilians, including women and children, were killed by a US air strike in southern Afghanistan earlier this week, according to an UN investigation, as ordinary Afghans continue to bear the brunt of the 17-year conflict.
“Initial findings indicate that the vast majority of the victims were women and children,” the UN mission in Afghanistan said in a report received by AFP late Thursday, adding that at least three people were also injured in the attack.
The strike occurred during a firefight between Afghan special forces working with US advisers and Taliban insurgents late Tuesday in restive Helmand province.
Nato said air support was requested by security forces on the ground as the militants deployed heavy weapons and retreated into a nearby compound.
Provincial authorities had earlier said several members of a single family appeared to be killed in the strike, with one official saying “at least 18 civilians were killed”, which could not be confirmed.
Nato has said it was investigating the incident.