KABUL, Afghanistan - Yesterday a group of suspected insurgents, believed to be en route to attack a joint Afghan-ISAF unit, was engaged by an airborne weapons team resulting in a number of individuals killed and wounded. After the joint ground force arrived at the scene and found women and children, they transported the wounded to medical treatment facilities.
ISAF has ordered an immediate investigation.
"We are extremely saddened by the tragic loss of innocent lives. I have made it clear to our forces that we are here to protect the Afghan people, and inadvertently killing or injuring civilians undermines their trust and confidence in our mission. We will re-double our efforts to regain that trust." said Gen. Stanley McChrystal, Commander of NATO ISAF.
McChrystal spoke last evening with President Karzai and expressed his sorrow and regret for the tragic incident and pledged to fully partner with the joint investigation.