NATO to Investigate Allegations of Civilian Casualties in Helmand

Resolute Support Mission (RSM) said on Friday that they have started investigation of civilian casualties in foreign forces’ airstrikes in Sangen district of Helmand. Karim Atal, head of provincial council of Helmand, said that over 20 civilians were killed in foreign forces airstrikes in the district. He added that the airstrikes targeted a residential house in the district resulted in killing of at least 11 members of a family. He further stated that more than 10 civilians were killed in another airstrike in the district, conducted by foreign forces. Meanwhile Gen. Charles Cleveland, a spokesman for RSM, said that US forces conducted the airstrikes to support and defend Afghan security forces.  He added that we are aware of the allegations of civilian casualties and will work seriously to review the matter. Omar Zwak, spokesman for Helmand governor, confirmed the airstrikes in Sangen district but did not give further details regarding civilian casualties. He added that government has assigned a delegation for further investigation of the incident.