KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) – At least 60 civilians were killed during NATO operations in a volatile southern area of Afghanistan this week, two government officials and a civilian said Thursday.
If confirmed, it would be the highest civilian death toll in an operation involving Western forces since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001.
NATO has said its forces killed 48 militants in heavy fighting in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar province Tuesday. The alliance said it only knew of four civilians wounded in the battle but that it had “credible reports” of other casualties.
Kandahar provincial council member Bismallah Afghanmal said 80 to 85 civilians were killed in fighting. A villager, Karim Jan, said 60 to 70 died. Another government official, who asked not to be named because it would “cause me problems,” said at least 60 died.
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