Afghan civilians killed by UK troops

One woman and two children Afghan civilians have been killed in a rocket attack by British troops, sparking an investigation.

UK forces were unaware that the civilians were in the vicinity in a local compound when they fired rockets at Taliban fighters in the Sangin area of Helmand province on Saturday.

Lieutenant Colonel David Reynolds, of Task Force Helmand, said: "This was a tragic incident. A family member can never be replaced and it is always painful when civilians, particularly women and children, are involved.

"While it is unclear exactly what caused their death an investigation is under way. What is clear is that Taliban fighters were in the area and showed a total disregard for the presence of civilians near them."

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that troops from the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment were involved.

An MoD spokesman said: "A full investigation will be carried out, and our sympathies are with the families of the killed and injured civilians at this time."

The Senlis Council, a research group based in Afghanistan, claims recent killings show how the Taliban is regaining strongholds throughout the country.

Meanwhile, a Taliban suicide bomber has rammed a car packed with explosives into the gate of the main US military base in southeastern Afghanistan, killing nine civilians and wounding 13.

Two more suicide bombers in another car approached the base near the town of Khost as security forces dealt with the aftermath of the first attack, but were shot dead by police before they were able to detonate their explosives.

Khost's governor Arsala Jamal said: "The victims were all poor labourers and civilians. This was a barbaric act carried out by the enemies of Afghanistan at a time of celebration of independence."

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