NATO admits rockets killed 12 Afghan civilians

KABUL – NATO has admitted a horrific mistake saying rockets aimed at militant hit the wrong target – 12 civilians, who died as a result.

It is another major mishap in mounting civilian casualties caused both by the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, and insurgents.

NATO has generally been in denial when civilians have been hit.

“Two rockets from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launched at insurgents firing upon Afghan and ISAF forces impacted approximately 300 meters off their intended target, killing 12 civilians in Nad Ali district, Helmand Province today,” said a joint NATO-Afghan statement.

ISAF Commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal conveyed his apologies to President Hamid Karzai for this unfortunate incident, it said. The incident was reported on Sunday.

“We deeply regret this tragic loss of life,” said McChrystal. “The current operation in Central Helmand is aimed at restoring security and stability to this vital area of Afghanistan. It’s regrettable that in the course of our joint efforts, innocent lives were lost. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and will ensure we do all we can to avoid future incidents.”

Why rockets were launched in an area where civilians were just metres away is being questioned.

“The use of the HIMARS has been suspended until a thorough review of this incident has been conducted. The original target of the two rockets was a compound where insurgents were delivering accurate, direct fire on an Afghan-ISAF joint team,” the General said.

“An Afghan National Army soldier and ISAF service member had been injured by the insurgent fire.

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Posted by News Editor on Feb 14 2010. Filed under World. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry