US investigating civilian casualties in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — The U.S. is investigating recent claims of civilian casualties, according to a statement released by U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.

“U.S. Forces-Afghanistan is aware of an incident in the Pul-e ’Alam District in Logar Province this morning with potential civilian casualties,” the statement reads. “An official investigation has been launched.”

According to local Afghan media source Pajhwok, nearly 13 civilians and two Taliban leaders were killed in a U.S. airstrike in Logar Province.

Salim Saleh, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok that shadow governor Mullah Mohammadullah and his deputy Huzaifa were also killed in the airstrike.

Logar has been an area of unrest lately. Nearly two weeks ago, a U.S. service member was wounded in an operation against the Taliban in the restive province.

RELATED

US service member wounded in Afghanistan

A U.S. service member was wounded in action in Logar province, Afghanistan, Monday evening.

By Shawn Snow

Moreover, an Afghan defense official has told Military Times that Afghan forces reportedly killed Haqqani network commander Mullah Qand in an operation last night in Logar Province. The Haqqani network is a U.S. designated terrorist group with deep ties to the Taliban.

Military Times was not able to confirm with U.S. officials whether the Haqqani leader was killed or if U.S. forces participated in the operation.

Based on the latest UN assessment, over 5,000 civilians have been killed or wounded in Afghanistan this year.

There are currently over 8,000 U.S. service members serving in the war-torn country. But that number is expected to rise with the White House’s new strategy for South Asia, which includes an unknown increase in U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

In Other News

Supreme Court rules in favor of veteran who sued over GI Bill limits

The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of a veteran who wanted to use both his Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill benefits.

Korean War hero Ralph Puckett to lie in honor at US Capitol

Medal of Honor recipient Ralph Puckett will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol in recognition of his heroism during the Korean War.

Inside the Navy’s Marine Mammal Program

The Navy program that trains dolphins and sea lions for a variety of missions turns 65 this year.

Retiring Marines have to give 6 months’ notice, up from 4 months

Want to retire from the Marine Corps? The service now requires at least six months' heads up.

His father never spoke of WWII. His flight logs told the story for him

Historian and author Howard Mansfield had vowed to never write another word about World War II. Until another one fell into his lap.

Load More