UK troops 'kill Afghan civilians'

BBC
Monday, Aug 18, 2008

An investigation is under way after four civilians were apparently killed and three injured in Afghanistan in a rocket attack by British troops.

The incident involving the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment happened on Saturday in the Sangin district of Helmand province.

An International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) spokesman said the patrol launched the rockets in self-defence.

The Ministry of Defence said a full investigation would be carried out.

The spokesman added: "Our sympathies are with the families of the killed and injured civilians at this time."

The incident happened on Saturday morning when a patrol picked up a radio message calling for insurgents to converge on the area to attack the patrol, an Isaf spokesman said.

He said the patrol identified insurgents with weapons on the roof of a building preparing to attack.

In order to protect themselves, the patrol launched three rockets, all of which hit the target.

Full article here

[DISCUSS THIS STORY IN OUR FORUM]