KABUL -- Afghanistan's Defence Ministry is investigating reports that at least 16 civilians were killed in an air strike in Helmand Province, the ministry said in a statement Friday (January 25).
"Some reports have been published that civilians were killed and wounded, and the Defence Ministry formed a delegation to conduct a serious investigation into the civilian casualties," the ministry statement said.
Afghan forces backed by coalition air support were conducting counter-terrorism operations in Sangin District late Wednesday (January 23) when the air strike occurred, the ministry and NATO said.
NATO's Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan said it was looking into the claims.
