International forces in Afghanistan have been caught in a new row after reports that 14 civilians, including up to 12 children, were killed in a coalition air strike in Helmand province.
Afghan TV showed images of casualties being taken into hospitals and bereaved relatives cradling the bodies of young children wrapped in bloody sheets.
The exact number of casualties in the incident, which occurred on Friday night in the Nawzad district, was unclear.
A spokesman for the provincial governor said at least four children and a woman were confirmed dead. Reports suggest an air strike was called in after US marines operating alongside Afghan soldiers were attacked by insurgents. Bombs however destroyed two houses where families were living.
– (Guardian service)