Afghan President Demands Explanation from US, NATO on Civilian Deaths
By VOA News
16 April 2009
Afghan President Hamid Karzai demanded an explanation from the commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan for recent civilian deaths during military operations.
U.S. General David McKiernan met with Mr. Karzai on Thursday and expressed "deep regret" that civilians have been "mistakenly killed." He also said international troops are continuing their efforts to protect against civilian causalities.
The U.S. military has acknowledged that at least four civilians were killed during a raid in Khost province last week. And NATO says a joint investigation with Afghan officials found that six Afghans died in an air strike on Monday in Kunar province. NATO initially said the air strike targeted militants in an area where no civilians were present.
Civilian deaths caused by U.S. and NATO troops battling the Taliban have become a major source of tension between the Afghan government and western nations, particularly the United States. The deaths have also hurt local support for international forces in Afghanistan.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
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