4 civilians dead in Kapisa airstrike, official claims

MAHMUD RAQI (PAN): Four civilians were killed as a result of an airstrike by foreign troops in the central province of Kapisa, officials claimed on Sunday.

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) air raid happened on Friday night in the Alasai district, the administrative head of the town said.

Mullah Mohammad told Pajhwok Afghan News the victims were irrigating their farms at night, when foreign troops fired at them from a helicopter.

However, another official said on condition of anonymity that eight Taliban fighters were killed in the airstrike in the Ashpa area of the district. Some weapons and hand grenades were also recovered from the rebels.

In response to an emailed query from Pajhwok, a spokesman for the NATO-led force confirmed the May 4 operation in Alasai.

“According to initial reports, a coalition forces aircraft was conducting a routine patrol when the aircrew observed insurgent mortar fire,” he said  

After positively identifying their firing position, the aircraft killed three insurgents and destroyed the mortar, the spokesman added.

ISAF had launched an investigation into the case and more information would be released after the completion of the inquiry, he concluded.

myn/mud

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