Coalition Airstrike

AIRSTRIKE IN PAKTIKA
6/18/2007

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation in Paktika Province’s Zarghun Shah District late Sunday, which resulted in several militants and seven civilians killed and two militants detained.

Credible intelligence named the compound, which contained a mosque and a madrassa, as a suspected safehouse for al-Qaida fighters. Coalition forces confirmed the presence of nefarious activity occurring at the site before getting approval to conduct an air strike on the location.

Following the strike, residents of the compound confirmed that al-Qaida fighters had been present all day. Early reporting has that seven children at the madrassa died as a result of the strike.

“This is another example of al-Qaida using the protective status of a mosque, as well as innocent civilians, to shield themselves,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. “We are saddened by the innocent lives that were lost as a result of militants’ cowardice.”

Only minor damage was done to the mosque as a result of the strike.

The detainees will be questioned as to their identities and involvement in militant activities.

CONTACT INFORMATION – CJTF-82 PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE TEL – 0093-799-063-013
DSN: 318-231-7852
BAGRAMMEDIACENTER@AFGHAN.SWA.ARMY.MIL

UPDATE:

CHILDREN SAY THEY WERE FORCED TO STAY INSIDE
6/18/2007

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The seven children who died in a Coalition airstrike on a compound in Zarghun Shah District, Paktika Province, last night were held inside the building throughout the day according to other children who survived the airstrike.

Coalition forces did not believe any children were in, or around, the compound during the day and ordered the strike believing the target was inside.

“We are truly sorry for the innocent lives lost in this attack,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Coalition spokesman. “We had surveillance on the compound all day and saw no indications there were children inside the building.”

Al-Qaida operatives have hidden amongst the people of Afghanistan in the past and caused unnecessary injury, and often death, to law-abiding citizens. Witness statements taken early this morning clearly put the blame on the suspected terrorists saying that if the children attempted to go outside they were beaten and pushed away from the door.

Provincial government officials are meeting with local elders and Coalition officials today to look into the matter.

CONTACT INFORMATION – CJTF-82 PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE TEL – 0093-799-063-013
DSN: 318-231-7852
BAGRAMMEDIACENTER@AFGHAN.SWA.ARMY.MIL

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