Afghans killed during insurgent attack

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

05.20.2009

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan - An incident resulting in a number of civilian casualties occurred May 19 in Nawa, south of Lashkar Gah, Helmand province. The incident occurred when an International Security Assistance Force patrol was attacked by insurgents.

On the morning of 19 May, ISAF troops came under fire from approximately twenty-five insurgents. Finding it difficult to extract themselves from this dangerous situation, ISAF troops resorted to calling for close air support. An aircraft supported the soldiers by dropping one piece of ordnance, which ended the engagement.

The ISAF troops, however, were not aware that the insurgents were once again using civilians as human shields. If this information had been known by ISAF troops, no ordnance would have been used.

Tragically, it is believed that eight civilians were killed as a result of the air strike. This terrible incident again shows the insurgents' blatant disregard for the lives of Afghan people.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesperson for Task Force Helmand, said: "The greatest of care is taken by ISAF troops to avoid any harm to civilians. Regrettably, however, the insurgents continue to deliberately launch attacks from residential areas, thus endangering Afghan lives."

The incident is being jointly investigated by Afghan authorities and ISAF. The office of the governor of Helmand province has also been informed.

• Date Taken: 05.20.2009
• Date Posted: 05.20.2009 04:55
• Story ID: 33839
• Location: KABUL, AF