Sources: Taliban caused civilian deaths

LASKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- British defense sources contend Taliban forces in Afghanistan caused the deaths of several civilians by placing them at risk.

The sources allege Taliban militants purposefully operated out of a targeted compound in Sangin that was inhabited by civilians, The Daily Telegraph reported Monday.

Lt. Col. David Reynolds, a spokesman for British military forces in Helmand province, said after militants were observed on the roof of the compound, it was targeted by three guided missiles.

Reynolds said that unknown to British forces, civilians also were living inside the compound, leading to the deaths of an Afghan woman and two children.

"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," Reynolds said.

A spokesman for NATO told the British newspaper Saturday's incident, which also left four civilians injured, was another example of the deadly tactics at play in the region.

"The enemies of Afghanistan have yet again shown a complete disregard for the lives of the innocent who they claim to fight for," the unidentified spokesman said.