Jakarta, TheIndonesiaPost- An airstrike in eastern Afghanistan killed 45 people, including civilians and Taliban fighters, local officials said Wednesday.
Ali Ahmad Faqir Yar, governor of the Adraskan district in Herat province, eastern Afghanistan, said at least eight civilians were among those killed.
“Forty-five people have been killed so far in an airstrike by security forces in the Kham Ziarat area. The Taliban are among those killed, “he said.
It is not clear how many of the remaining 37 are civilians and how many are members of the Taliban.
Qari Mohammad Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said in a statement two airstrikes on Herat killed eight civilians and injured 12. Two local officials confirmed that there had been two rounds of airstrikes.
“Such an attack will force recently released prisoners who want to live a normal life to take up arms once again against the enemy,” Ahmadi said.
‘Don’t bother’ The Afghan defense ministry says it is investigating alleged civilian casualties in attacks by Afghan forces in the area.
“The results of the investigation will be shared with the public and the media. The National Defense and Security Force has the responsibility to protect the lives and property of the people, in this case, they use all opportunities and facilities and will not spare any effort, “a statement said.
Habib Amini, a local official in the neighboring district of Guzara, confirmed the incident and said 45 people were killed and many more injured.
A spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan said they did not participate in Wednesday’s air strike.
Jailani Farhad, a spokesman for Herat’s governor, told Anadolu news agency that at least six of the main Taliban commanders involved in a major attack on Herat were targeted in air strikes. He said civilian casualties were caused by a nearby landmine explosion. (jek / bbs)
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