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Afghan Civilians Reportedly Killed After Attack On Taliban-Occupied House


FILE: Afghan soldiers prepare for an operation in Logat province.
FILE: Afghan soldiers prepare for an operation in Logat province.

Officials in Afghanistan's eastern Logar Province say at least 11 civilians were killed and 16 wounded when a NATO helicopter attacked a house where Taliban insurgents had taken shelter against the wishes of the residents.

Provincial Governor Halim Fedaee on August 30 said the incident, which occurred late on August 29, took place in Dashte Bari District near the provincial capital Pul-e Alam in the east of the country.

A spokesman for Resolute Support, the NATO-led mission in Kabul, did not confirm the details but said the military was aware of the reports and was investigating.

Fedaee said Taliban extremists had entered the civilian house and fired a rocket at the NATO helicopter.

"The house owner begged the Taliban to leave, but they didn't. The helicopter took a turn, came, and hit this house. That caused these deaths," the governor said.

Provincial council member Hasibullah Stanekzai told dpa news agency that women and children were among the dead.

He said two top Taliban commanders and other militants were also killed in the raid, identifying Mawlavi Ahmadullah, the Taliban's self-appointed governor for Khoshi district in Logar, and a deputy insurgent commander in the region, Qari Naqibullah.

Taliban insurgents fighting against the U.S.-backed government in Kabul have a heavy presence in Logar.

Based on reporting by Reuters, dpa, and AP

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