ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2010-02-CA-072
An ISAF airstrike against suspected insurgents accidentally killed five and wounded two civilians in the Zhari district of Kandahar Province today. This event was not part of Operation Moshtarak.A joint Afghan-ISAF patrol observed the individuals digging along a path, and believed that the individuals were emplacing an IED. The joint patrol called for an airstrike. Following the strike, the Afghan-ISAF patrol approached the scene and determined the individuals had not been emplacing an IED. The joint patrol provided immediate first aid, and the wounded were flown to an ISAF medical facility for treatment.
"We regret this tragic accident and offer our sympathies to the families of those killed and injured," said Maj. Gen. Michael Regner, ISAF Joint Command deputy chief of staff for joint operations. "Our combined forces take every precaution to minimize civilian casualties, and we will investigate this incident to determine how this happened."
ISAF leaders have met with village elders to discuss how to minimize future accidents, and the families will be offered compensation according to local customs.
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See also Sydney Irresistible and for personal comment, Mike Hitchen Unleashed
Putting principles before profits
