World | Afghanistan
US regrets Afghan deaths
The United States expressed regret yesterday for any civilian deaths from US-led military operations in Afghanistan, without confirming reports of nearly 90 killed in one incident this week.
- Agencies
- Published: 22:43 August 24, 2008
Crawford: The United States expressed regret yesterday for any civilian deaths from US-led military operations in Afghanistan, without confirming reports of nearly 90 killed in one incident this week.
"We regret the loss of life among the innocent Afghanis who we are committed to protect," White House spokesman Tony Fratto said as US President George W. Bush spent time on his Texas ranch.
He spoke after Afghan President Hamid Karzai fired two top Afghan army commanders on Sunday after coalition air strikes he said killed more than 89 civilians in one of the deadliest such incidents since 2001.
Karzai fired two top Afghan army commanders after coalition air strikes he said killed more than 89 civilians in one of the deadliest such incidents since 2001.
A presidential decree "orders the immediate removal" of the top army general for western Afghanistan and a commando commander after Friday's joint Afghan and US-led coalition operation in Herat province, a statement said.
General Jalandar Shah Behnam, head of the corps for western Afghanistan, and commando Major Abdul Jabar, were fired for "negligence and concealing facts," it said.
Investigations ongoing
"These reports are being investigated in Afghanistan and we'll look for the results of that investigation," Fratto said.
"Coalition forces take precautions to prevent the loss of civilians, unlike the Taliban and militants who target civilians and place civilians in harm's way," the spokesman said.
In a presidential decree, Karzai ordered "the immediate removal" of the top army general for western Afghanistan and a commando commander after Friday's joint Afghan and US-led coalition operation in Herat province.
General Jalandar Shah Behnam, head of the corps for western Afghanistan, and commando Major Abdul Jabar, were fired for "negligence and concealing facts," it said, giving no details.
"In the tragic air strike and irresponsible and imprecise military operation in Shindand district more than 89 of innocent countrymen, including women and children, were martyred," the statement said.
The interior ministry previously put the death toll at 76, including around 50 children and 19 women.
An official investigation has found that more than 90 civilians were killed, according to the Afghan religious affairs minister.
The coalition has insisted only 30 militants were killed.
In a separate statement earlier from Bagram airbase near Kabul, the coalition said it was "aware of allegations that the engagement in the Shindad District of Herat province Friday may have resulted in civilian casualties," and said it is looking into the incident.
If the number of dead cited by Karzai is confirmed, it would be one of the highest tolls for civilians since international troops arrived in Afghanistan in 2001 and toppled the hardline Taliban regime.
Meanwhile, US-led coalition troops clashed with a group of Taliban fighters in northern Afghanistan yesterday, killing six militants, while four militants were killed in a battle in the south, officials said.
Violence has spiked around Afghanistan in recent weeks, and the Taliban have stepped up attacks against international troops.
In the north, coalition troops returned fire after being attacked by militants while on patrol in the volatile Tagab valley of Kapisa province, said coalition spokesman Nathan Perry. In southern Helmand province yesterday, four militants were killed by Nato aircraft.
Speculation: Additional troops?
A newspaper report says Britain will send an additional 4,500 troops to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban. The British military has dismissed the report as speculation.
The News of The World's report on Sunday cited an unidentified military source as saying those troops would be sent to Afghanistan once soldiers began returning from Iraq - where a major reduction of Britain's presence has been promised for early 2009.
Britain's Ministry of Defense refused to comment on the veracity of the report. It said in a statement that "we are not willing to engage in speculation about troop deployments."
- AP
Share this article
Afghanistan
12 inmates escape western Afghan prison
Karzai renews call on Taliban to lay down arms
Patrols and turkey in Afghan war zone
Obama says will "finish the job" in Afghanistan
Rocket strike jolts Kabul hotel
Rocket hits outside Afghan luxury hotel
Suicide bomber kills 6 in Afghanistan
Karzai sworn in as Afghan president
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
Secret Service admits failure over White House-crashers
May pursue criminal investigation against salahis
-
Aquino, running mate file certificates of candidacy
Number of showbusiness glitterati show support for Cory's son
-
Polanski chalet secured for sentence
Court order specifies monitoring bracelet to be worn by sex offender
