Marine Corps Gen. John Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force and commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, issued a directive limiting airstrikes against Taliban hiding in civilian homes to limit collateral damage, The New York Times reported. UPI/Kevin Dietsch |
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KABUL, Afghanistan, June 11 (UPI) -- Curbs were placed on airstrikes against Taliban militants hiding in civilian homes, NATO said, following a NATO airstrike Afghans said killed 18 civilians.
Officials said the directive from Gen. John R. Allen, commander for international and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, reiterated NATO's commitment to protecting civilians and marked a victory for Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who repeatedly stressed civilian casualties undercut Afghan-U.S. relations, The New York Times reported Sunday.
"Given our commitment to protect Afghan civilians, restricting the use of air-delivered munitions against insurgents within civilian dwellings is a prudent and logical step in the progression in the campaign," NATO spokesman Jamie Graybeal said in an e-mail to the Times.
Following a meeting Saturday among Karzai, Allen and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker to discuss the issue, Karzai aides released a statement saying Allen pledged to end attacks on residential areas and homes.
U.S. officials said Allen's order didn't call for a complete halt, saying NATO would still conduct operations against insurgents who use civilian homes as hideouts, the Times said.
"When there is concern over the presence of civilians, air-delivered munitions will not be employed while other means are available," a senior U.S. defense official said.
During a joint Afghan-NATO raid last week at a compound in Logar Province, a firefight erupted between coalition troops and the insurgents, with the civilians trapped inside a compound. An airstrike killed the insurgents but also 18 civilians, including nine children, Afghan officials said.
Human Rights Watch Sunday expressed guardedness about Allen's orders, the Times said.
"We've seen improvements in detention-related abuses and excessive force at checkpoints, but when it comes to civilian casualties, we're still seeing tragic incidents, even today," said John Sifton, the organization's director for Asia.
