ISAF confirms civilians killed during operation that removed large number of Taliban from Nangarhar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.05.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - Following information received from provincial and local Nangarhar officials, it appears that between four and a dozen or more civilians were killed during a joint coalition and Afghan security force operation in Nangarhar province Aug. 5.

The joint force targeted a compound in Khwazakheyl Village in Sherzad District based on accurate intelligence that senior Taliban leadership was present. During movement to the compound, the joint security force was engaged from multiple locations by insurgents with small arms and rocket propelled grenades.

Local officials confirmed that in the ensuing fire fight, the ISAF-Afghan force killed 15-20 insurgents, including two senior Taliban leaders, Ghulam and Shamar. The joint force also seized 10 rocket-propelled grenades, numerous automatic weapons and grenades, a recoilless rifle, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

As the security force left the area, they continued to take effective fire from insurgents. An air weapons team was used to safeguard their departure.

"Coalition forces deeply regret that our joint operation appears to have resulted in civilian loss of life and we express our sincerest condolences to the families," said Rear Adm. Greg Smith, ISAF Director of Communication. "We will partner with the government of Afghanistan to conduct a thorough investigation of this incident, and to provide solatia to the families of the civilians killed during the engagement."

"Despite gradual progress in Nangarhar Province, elements of the insurgency have continued to wage a campaign to intimidate, coerce, tax, kidnap and murder innocent civilians," said Smith. "The Taliban leaders and fighters were among those carrying out such reprehensible activities. The coalition remains steadfast in its support of the Government of Afghanistan in ridding the country of this corrosive insurgency, while making every effort to reduce to a minimum loss of innocent civilian life in the course of our operations."

• Date Taken: 08.05.2010
• Date Posted: 08.05.2010 12:24
• Story ID: 54003
• Location: KABUL, AF