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Possible Afghanistan Friendly Fire Incident Prompts Probe

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2006 – The commander of the coalition's Combined Joint Task Force 76 has ordered an investigation of a possible "friendly fire" incident April 14 during heavy fighting in the Zhari district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.

Afghan soldiers and police initiated an attack against Taliban extremists attempting to organize attacks on Afghan and coalition forces in the town of Sanigsar, officials said. During fierce and close fighting that involved Afghan army and police, coalition troops and enemy fighters, Afghan police forces reported casualties, some possibly caused by friendly forces, officials said.

"We are investigating the incident, and we will work jointly with the government of Afghanistan to determine the events that took place during this fight," Army Brig. Gen David Fraser, commander of Multinational Brigade South, said. "We will review all our procedures to ensure that we continue to coordinate with our Afghan partners against our common enemy."

(From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Apr2006/20060416_4836.html