AT-KABUL: Scores of civilians were allegedly killed in a US airstrike that had targeted the Daesh terrorists in the eastern Nangarhar province, local officials said.
A US drone targeted the hideouts of the Daesh terrorists on Wednesday’s pre-dawn in the Achin district.
“A number of civilians were killed beside the Daesh fighters,” deputy provincial council Najibullah Zemarai said.
He said that 14 people including Daesh fighters were killed, but the number of civilians killed in the incident was not clear yet.
He said that the area was under the control of Daesh fighters and it was difficult to immediately probe the case.
Provincial police spokesman Hazrat Hussain Mashriqiwal said that 18 Daesh fighters were killed in the incident.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesman said that “the U.S. Forces – Afghanistan takes all allegations of civilian casualties very seriously.”
“U.S. forces did conduct one counter-terrorism air strike in Achin district, Nangarhar province, Sept. 28, and for operational security reasons, we do not discuss the details of counter-terror operations. We are aware of some claims of Afghan casualties, and are currently reviewing all materials related to this strike. We are continuing to look into these allegations and will provide additional information as appropriate.”