Combined Joint Task Force-82
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces provided medical treatment to 20 Afghan civilians who were apparently wounded during a 16-hour engagement involving a joint Afghan National Army and coalition force that battled Taliban fighters on May 8 in the Sangin District, Helmand province.
One child, who was evacuated to a coalition medical treatment facility nearby, later died of wounds.
During the fight, over 200 Taliban fighters repeatedly attacked the joint ANA and coalition patrol. Taliban fighters fled into nearby compounds and continued firing on coalition forces.
Afghan and coalition forces estimate a significant number of Taliban fighters were killed to include a high-ranking Taliban commander from the Sangin District area.
The Governor of Helmand, Assadullah Wafa, reportedly blamed the Taliban fighters for hiding in civilian homes during the close air strike. Gov. Wafa said the Taliban must take responsibility for the casualties.
There are confirmed reports of civilian casualties. It is unknown at this time how many civilian casualties resulted from the fighting.
A joint Afghan and coalition force inquiry is being conducted.