12 civilians killed in joint NATO, Afghan offensive

Twelve Afghan civilians have been killed in a rocket attack by joint NATO and Afghan troops.

The incident came on the second day of the military offensive on the Taliban stronghold in Marjah. NATO has expressed regret for the incident.

NATO said two rockets from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System were aimed at insurgents firing on Afghan and NATO forces. However the rocket struck 300 metres off the intended target.

General Stanley McChrystal, the top US commander in Afghanistan, said coalition forces "deeply regret" the incident.

U.S.-led NATO troops launched a crucial offensive on Saturday against the Taliban's last big stronghold in Afghanistan's most violent province and were quickly thrown into a firefight with the militants. (Xinhua/Reuters photo)