Lashkar Gar evidence points to ISAF caused civilian casualties

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.13.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force sent a partnered initial assessment team to Lashkar Gah District in Helmand province Aug. 13 to gather information regarding possible civilian casualties.

The partnered assessment team included officials from the Ministries of Interior and Defense, both appointed by the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Timothy M. Zadalis, ISAF Joint Command director of plans and projects and team lead, along with ISAF staff officers.

The team examined an operation which occurred Thursday and led to civilian casualty allegations.

During the operation, ISAF forces came under heavy fire by insurgents. Close air support was called in to provide supporting fire.

Later that day, four wounded and three dead Afghan civilians were brought to a nearby check point, where two of the wounded died. The remaining two wounded were immediately evacuated to an ISAF medical facility.

While gathering information, the assessment team received briefings about the operation, reviewed gun-camera footage, and met with the district governor's staff.

While the team has not finalized its assessment, it believes there is evidence civilians were in the compound targeted by coalition forces during the operation.

"We regret this tragic loss of life. Our first objective is to protect the people of Afghanistan, and in this case we may have failed," said Zadalis. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who lost their lives."

• Date Taken: 08.13.2010
• Date Posted: 08.15.2010 13:31
• Story ID: 54620
• Location: KABUL, AF