Civilians Killed in Afghan Offensive

By Michael E. Sanchez
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

MARJA, Afghanistan- NATO has confirmed that two rockets fired at militants during its offensive in Helman south Afghanistan, missed their target and killed 12 civilians.

The missiles struck a house in Marjah as thousands of NATO troops continued their operations to remove the Taliban.  General Stanley McChrystal, NATO’s commander said that “we deeply regret this tragic loss of life”.  Coalition forces are aiming to build on gains in Operation Moshtarak.  Operation Moshtarak, meaning “together” in Dari, is the largest coalition attack since the Taliban fell in 2001.

Civilian casualties have been a key concern for the NATO-led offensive.  The areas targeted were leafleted in advance to minimize casualties.  Afghan President Hamid Karzi has called for an investigation into the civilian deaths, his office said.  In a statement the office said that it believed at least 10 of those killed were from the same family.  NATO said in a statement “Two rockets from a High Mobility Rocket System launched at insurgents firing upon Afghan and [Nato] forces impacted approximately 300 meters (980ft) off their intended target killing 12 civilians.”

General McChrystal added “The current operation in Central Helmland is aimed at restoring security and stability to his vital area of Afghanistan…It’s regrettable that in the course of our joint efforts, innocent lives were lost.”

It was unclear whether one or more rockets hit the building.  Officers said the barrage had been fired from Camp Bastion, a large British and American base to the northeast.  The weapon system is known as HIMARS, or High Altitude Multiple Launch Artillery Rockets.  The system is G.P.S- guided and advertised as being accurate enough to strike within a yard of their intended targets.  General McChrystal said that he was suspending use of the weapon system “until a thorough review of this incident has been confirmed.”

For more information, please see:

BBC News- Afghan Civilians Killed Strike by NATO Rockets – 14 February 2010

New York Times- Afghan Civilians Killed In Offensive on Taliban– 14 February 2010

VOANEWS.COM- NATO Acknowledges Responsibility for Killing 12 Civilians During Afghan Offensive– 14 February 2010

Author: Impunity Watch Archive