UN probes ‘terrible’ killings of civilians in American air strike in Afghanistan
Kabul — The UN is investigating claims that up to 32 civilians were killed in a US air strike in the volatile Afghan province of Kunduz last week, calling any loss of civilian life "unacceptable". The strike early last Thursday triggered angry protests in Kunduz. Local officials said at least 30 people were killed, many of them children whose mutilated bodies were paraded through the streets by grieving relatives. Civilian casualties caused by Nato forces have been one of the most contentious issues in the 15-year campaign against insurgents, prompting public and government criticism. US forces conceded that the strike "very likely" resulted in civilian casualties and pledged a full investigation. A US State Department spokesman said it was a "terrible event". The killings came just days before the US presidential election, in which Afghanistan has received scarcely a passing mention — even though the situation there will be an urgent matter for the new president. Donald Trump or Hi...
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