US-Afghan investigation on S. Afghan battle

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-10-2009 10:22

The results of a joint US-Afghan investigation into a battle in southern Afghanistan confirms that an unspecified number of civilians were killed. But neither US nor Afghan forces are taking responsibility for the deaths, with both countries accusing the Taliban of using civilians as "human shields".

The results of a joint US-Afghan investigation into a battle in  southern Afghanistan confirms that an unspecified number of  civilians were killed.

Heavy fighting took place in two villages in Farah province on Monday.

The joint statement said the US forces responded to a call for help from Afghan forces. And that militants attacked the troops from several locations around the villages. It added that troops called for air strikes on the militant positions.

A team of US-Afghan investigators visited two villages in the province.

Abdul Hakim Asher, Deputy Director of Afghan Gov't Media & Info. Center, says, "the result recently, as we released the press release, showed that unfortunately there is civilian casualties. But the exact and accurate number is still not clear. Our investigative team is still there at the scene in order to find out the exact numbers of the casualties and then we will let you know."

He added that the enemies of the people of Afghanistan are trying to use the civilians as a shield.

It is believed that some 140 people were killed in Monday's attack.

If that number is finally confirmed, the figure of civilian deaths in this incident will reach a record high, since the U.S. invasion to Afghanistan in 2001.

Teams of the International Committee of the Red Cross say women and children were among the dead and injured in the two villages. One doctor at a local hospital says the children were being treated mainly for burns.

Civilian casualties have long been a source of tension between the US and the Afghan government. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has pleaded with American officials to do everything they can to cut down on the number of civilians killed in military operations.

Editor:Qin Yongjing