Taliban Sparks Clash Leaving 25 Civilians Dead
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – Suspected Taliban militants attacked police posts in southern Afghanistan, sparking clashes and NATO airstrikes that left 25 civilians dead, a senior police officer said Friday.
The militants attacked police and used civilian houses for cover in Gereshk district of Helmand province late Thursday, said Mohammad Hussein Andiwal, provincial police chief.
NATO responded by calling in airstrikes, which killed 20 suspected militants, but also 25 civilians, including nine women, three babies and the mullah of a local mosque, he said.
NATO said the aircraft struck after insurgents attacked troops from its International Security Assistance Force nine miles northeast of Gereshk town.
“A compound was assessed to have been occupied by up to 30 insurgent fighters, most of whom were killed in the engagement,” a NATO statement said.
“We are concerned about reports that some civilians may have lost their lives during this attack,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mike Smith, an ISAF spokesman.
