KABUL, Afghanistan, April 12 (UPI) -- International forces are investigating the Monday shooting deaths of Afghan civilians on a bus in the Zhari district of Kandahar province.
The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said it was examining the dawn shootings of four civilians in the Zhari district. ISAF said five others were treated for injuries at the scene and 13 others were checked into local medical facilities.
ISAF said a vehicle approached a "route-clearance patrol" at high speed and was warned three times with flares and once with flashlights and hand signals.
The ISAF patrol opened fire on the vehicle, adding its approach was considered a threat to the convoy. The vehicle stopped after the ISAF engagement.
The joint international patrol discovered the vehicle was a passenger bus carrying civilians following inspection of the scene.
"ISAF deeply regrets the tragic loss of life in Zhari district this morning," the Monday statement added.
ISAF last week reversed course, saying international forces killed Afghan civilians in a botched February raid on suspected Taliban targets in eastern Paktia province.
Three Afghan women were killed when joint forces fired on men believed to be insurgents. ISAF said the men were later determined to be protecting their families during the gun battle.
ISAF originally denied responsibility for the February deaths.
