Child, Taliban leader killed in drone strikes

LASHKAR GAH (PAN in southern Helmand province, an official said on Friday.

Umar Zwak, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the targetted Taliban commander, Nazar Gul, was killed later in a second drone strike remotely operated by US forces in Garmsir district.

Gul escaped unhurt in the attack that killed an eight-year old child injured two women, the official said. Gul was trying to rush out of his home when targetted and killed, Zwak said, adding the injured women had been shifted to hospital for treatment. One of the women is stated to be in critical condition.

The Taliban did not comment on the incident.

Meanwhile, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said a known insurgent on motorbike was targetted in an airstrike in Helmand on Thursday. The force said it would immediately conduct an investigation into the incident along with Afghan authorities.

“We are aware that according to the Governor of Helmand Province that in addition to the insurgent being killed, there was one child also killed and two women injured,” an ISAF statement said.

The statement said “ISAF deeply regrets any civilian casualties caused by this airstrike, saying we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those killed or wounded.”
Coalition officials will work with Afghan officials to determine what happened and why, it added.

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