U.S. investigates Afghan civilian deaths claim

[unhappycamper]

U.S. investigates Afghan civilian deaths claim
By Jason Straziuso and Rahim Faiez - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jan 21, 2009 15:24:50 EST

KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S. military said Wednesday it was investigating claims an operation killed two dozen Afghan civilians — an announcement that seemed aimed at appeasing President Hamid Karzai.

But Afghan officials said a government inquiry found only militants were killed in the Tuesday raid in the Tagab Valley, a region just 30 miles north of the Afghan capital, Kabul where insurgents have a strong presence.

The U.S. announcement came just a day after Karzai made his latest plea to U.S. and NATO troops to avoid killing civilians, a demand he has made repeatedly and forcefully in recent months. The issue is a growing concern for commanders of foreign forces in Afghanistan.

Civilian deaths could undermine Karzai’s re-election bid this year, and such killings also erode the support that the foreign forces need to help Karzai’s government extend its reach nationwide.

Afghan news agency Pajhwok quoted villagers as saying 25 civilians died in Tuesday’s raid.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_death_investigation_012109w/%2e