ISAF chief apologizes for civilian deaths

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 9 (UPI) -- The commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan has apologized for the deaths of civilians in an airstrike this week.

The International Security Assistance Force said in a release that it had concluded after an initial review that civilians were killed during an attempt Wednesday to detain a Taliban leader. The Afghan government says 18 civilians, including nine children and four women, died.

Gen. John Allen visited Logar province Friday to give his condolences to the governor.

"I am here not only as the Commander of the Coalition forces, but also as a father to apologize for the tragedy that occurred two days ago," he said. "Additionally, I am committed to ensuring we do the right thing for the families of those we inadvertently harmed, as well as for the community in which they lived."

The ISAF will continue to investigate, Allen said, to determine ways to prevent similar tragedies in future. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said his government plans to conduct its own investigation.