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NATO to investigate Afghan civilian deaths

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 7 (UPI) -- Western authorities are investigating allegations a NATO-led airstrike in southern Afghanistan killed a mother and five children, officials said.

The deaths came during heavy fighting between insurgents and NATO forces in Afghanistan's Helmand province Friday, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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Officials in Helmand said Taliban forces attacked the village of Payan, drawing retaliation from NATO forces, during which a civilian home was accidentally hit, killing the mother and children.

Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal "harshly condemned" the deaths, his office said.

Mangal's office said NATO authorities apologized for the civilian casualties and offered financial assistance to surviving family members, though U.S. Army Maj. Jason Wagonner, a NATO spokesman, said he could not confirm the apology or promise of compensation.

NATO said Monday it was investigating the deaths.

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