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Karzai Orders Inquiry Into Fatal US Airstrike

Military, Afghans spar over whether 15 victims were Taliban, civilians

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 6, 2008 12:06 PM CDT

(Newser) – Afghan President Hamid Karzai today ordered an investigation into a US-led airstrike on Friday that killed 15 people. At issue is whether the victims were armed Taliban, as the US military claims, or the innocent civilians that an Afghan governor believes died.

The controversy underscores Afghans' longstanding sentiment that coalition forces are less than careful in planning attacks that may risk civilians. Government and coalition troops have killed 255 so far this year; the Taliban has killed 445.
An Afghan boy, who allegedly got wounded by U.S. airstrikes in Waygal district of Nuristan province, lies on a bed at a hospital east of Kabul, July 5, 2008.
An Afghan boy, who allegedly got wounded by U.S. airstrikes in Waygal district of Nuristan province, lies on a bed at a hospital east of Kabul, July 5, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called for an investigation into the US-led air strikes Friday that left more than a dozen dead.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called for an investigation into the US-led air strikes Friday that left more than a dozen dead.   (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
An Afghan man, who allegedly got wounded by U.S. airstrikes in Waygal district of Nuristan province, lies on a bed at a hospital east of Kabul, July 5, 2008.
An Afghan man, who allegedly got wounded by U.S. airstrikes in Waygal district of Nuristan province, lies on a bed at a hospital east of Kabul, July 5, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
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Karzai earlier called for greater care in coordinating strikes
Yahoo

Immediate reports following the Friday strike that civilians had been hit
Reuters

 
Afghanistan • military • Taliban • investigation • Hamid Karzai • civilian casualties • airstrike

 
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