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Karzai Blasts US for Deadly Air Strike

Up to 95 civilians killed, including 50 children, he says

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 23, 2008 2:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – Hamid Karzai lashed out at coalition forces over a US-led air raid that he says slaugtered up to 95 Afghan civilians, including 50 children, the New York Times reports. In a statement, the Afghan President said he “strongly condemns” the attacks, and will soon roll out civilian-protection initiatives. The US military is investigating, but says it believes only 30 were killed.

Those 30 included only 5 civilians, by US estimates. This is the second time in 6 weeks that Karzai has condemned a coalition strike, as tensions grow between Kabul and Washington. “This puts us in a very difficult position,” said one Afghani official. “It provides propaganda to the Taliban and if they don’t take responsibility, it actually helps the Taliban.”

An Afghan boy look at police vehicle set on fire by protesters during a demonstration against the killing of civilian in an airstrike, Saturday, Aug 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Fraidoon Pooya)

Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during a press conference at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008. (AP Photo)

Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during a press conference at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

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Karzai Blasts US for Deadly Air Strike

Up to 95 civilians killed, including 50 children, he says

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US-Led Strike Killed 90 Afghan Civilians: UN

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Karzai Blasts US for Deadly Air Strike

Up to 95 civilians killed, including 50 children, he says

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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More Newser Stories

US-Led Strike Killed 90 Afghan Civilians: UN

Civilians, mostly children, killed

Afghan Officials: NATO Airstrike Killed 12 Children

NATO says the matter is under investigation

NATO Accidentally Kills Karzai Relative

Afghan president again calls for more care in avoiding civilian casualties

9 Children Killed in US Attack: Karzai

Officials say they were gathering firewood on a mountainside

Petraeus Suggests Afghans Burned Own Children

Participants at a recent meeting say comments offended Karzai

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Newser By Users

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