Coalition Expresses Regret for Possible Civilian Casualties

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force and ISAF Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2012 – International Security Assistance Force officials today expressed regret that an Oct. 14 coalition operation against suspected insurgents planting roadside bombs in the Nawa district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province may have killed three Afghan civilians.

“The coalition extends its deep regret for this tragic incident,” officials said in a written statement issued from ISAF headquarters in the Afghan capital of Kabul. “We also extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who died, and we take full responsibility for what occurred.”

Officials said the coalition will work closely with Afghan officials to determine what happened and why, and that they also will meet with the family members of those who died to personally express ISAF's regret and condolences.

The operation did not involve close air support as reported in some media, officials said, adding that the incident remains under investigation.

In Afghanistan operations today:
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force in Nangarhar province arrested a Taliban leader who commanded Taliban fighters and had a direct role in the movement and escape of an insider-attack shooter across Afghan borders. The security force also detained several suspected insurgents and seized weapons and mortar components.
-- An Afghan and coalition force detained several insurgents while searching a Taliban explosives expert in Helmand province.
-- In Ghazni province, an Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Haqqani network leader who coordinated attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces and provided weapons to insurgents in Logar province. The security force also detained several suspected insurgents.