6 Afghan civilians killed by US-led airstrikes

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - At least six civilians have been killed and several others injured in the latest US-led airstrike in Afghanistan's southeastern Logar Province.

The province's spokesman Din Mohammad Darvish confirmed the airstrike and the fatalities, saying that six people were also injured in the attack on Sunday evening, a Press TV correspondent reported Monday.

However, local residents put the number of the wounded civilians at 11, saying that all those killed and injured were tribesmen.

NATO has confirmed carrying out the Sunday airstrike, saying that “four militants” have been killed in the attack.

A recent UN report reveals that civilian casualties in Afghanistan has increased by 15 percent in the first half of 2011, compared to the same period a year earlier.

According to the report released Thursday, close to 1,500 civilians are documented to have been killed during this time. Figures also show that the number of civilians injured also rose by 7 percent.

Hundreds of civilians have lost their lives in the US-led airstrikes and ground operations in various parts of Afghanistan over the past few months, with Afghans growing frustrated over the seemingly endless number of deadly assaults.

Civilian casualties by US-led foreign forces have been a major source of friction between Kabul and Washington, sparking outrage and protests among Afghan people and officials.

The 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan, part of the so-called "war on terror" came about with the objective of overthrowing the Taliban regime, rooting out the pro-Taliban militancy and bringing peace and stability to the troubled country.

Ten years on, however, Afghanistan remains highly unstable with a persisting growth of terrorism, illicit drug production and narcotics trade.

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