Afghanistan probes civilian deaths claim: ministry

[NNN0LHI]

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iFzRjT93I6Cw5a9RV2TPcRmFAVxQ

2 hours ago

KABUL (AFP) — Afghanistan authorities said Monday they were investigating claims by provincial officials that up to 33 civilians were killed in a weekend offensive by US-led troops.

The defence ministry said it could not confirm that civilians were killed in the raids by US and Afghan forces in the eastern province of Nuristan, a known stronghold of Taliban-led militants.

The US-led coalition had earlier reported "significant" insurgent casualties during the operation.

Mohammad Aleem, Nuristan deputy governor, told AFP that 33 civilians, including women and children, were killed and dozens more injured in the day-long operation in the mountainous province's Do'aab district.

District chief Qari Daud put the death toll at 28, all of them civilians.

[malaise]

1. War crimes and genocide are par for the course

in Bushco's crusade.