ISAF: Air support not denied to troops

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- NATO officials say U.S. troops that came under deadly fire in Afghanistan were not denied air cover due to new rules aimed at protecting civilians.

A McClatchy News Service report indicated that Marines who came under fire last week in Kunduz province called for help several times but were denied by U.S. commanders, who allegedly cited a directive aimed at reducing civilian deaths. Four U.S. soldiers and nine Afghans died in the attack by Taliban insurgents, officials said.

But officials with the NATO-led International Security and Assistance Force say an initial investigation doesn't support that report, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported Sunday.

Sam Truelove, a lieutenant commander in the British Royal Navy, told the newspaper in an e-mail that the troops were given air support and indirect fire.

"The tactical directive does not preclude any fires for self defense," she said, declining to provide details, pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.

The Virginian-Pilot said among those killed was 1st Lt. Michael Johnson, 25, of Chesapeake, Va.