LOC16:32
13:32 GMT
KABUL, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Two Afghan civilians have been killed in a roadside
landmine blast in southern Afghanistan on Saturday morning.
A statement from the Interior Ministry here said the incident happened in
Nahre Saraj district of Helmand. Around 15,000 Afghan, US and UK troops are
presently carrying out a massive operation against Taliban in Marja district
of the same province.
The Afghan ministry said the bomb was planted by the anti-government
Taliban militants to target the local or foreign troops, but it struck the
innocent civilians.
Meanwhile, a third civilian was killed in firing by the international
troops in Nad Ali district of the same province.
A statement from ISAF headquarters said the civilian was carrying something
in his hands and the troops came to believe that it was an improvised
explosive device. As the troops warned, the man dropped it and run away.
The statement said the ISAF troops opened fire and shot him dead. However,
it was revealed later that he was not carrying explosives. Twelve civilians
were killed as rockets landed in populated area in Helmand a few days ago.
(end).
gk.tg
KUNA 201632 Feb 10NNNN