UN: NATO airstrikes kill 18 civilians in Afghanistan

At least 18 civilians were killed in US-led coalition airstrikes in Afghanistan’s restive Helmand province last week, according to the UN.

At least 18 civilians were killed in US-led coalition airstrikes in Afghanistan’s restive Helmand province last week, according to the UN.

The airstrikes carried out by “international military forces” last Thursday and Friday in Helmand’s Sangin district killed mostly women and children, a Sunday statement by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said.

“UNAMA’s initial enquiries suggest that the airstrikes killed at least 18 civilians, nearly all women and children. UNAMA notes that Resolute Support has initiated an investigation into the incident,” it said, adding the airstrikes “reportedly targeted Anti-Government Elements”.

According to the UNAMA, the people of Helmand have suffered greatly due to the armed conflict in Afghanistan, with 891 civilians killed or injured during 2016. This figure was the highest in the country in 2016 outside of Kabul.