US-led attacks kill 16 Afghan civilians

[Sep 2, 2010] US-led forces in Afghanistan have killed at least 16 civilians over the past 24 hours, amid growing public rage over such attacks. Ten civilians have been killed in a NATO airstrike in the northern Takhar province. The victims were reportedly election campaign workers. Afghan President Hamid Karzai strongly condemned the attack on three vehicles carrying election campaign workers. "In the war on terror, pro-democracy people should be distinguished from those who fight against democracy," a statement quoted Karzai as saying. Earlier on Wednesday, six civilians were killed and several others injured in another aerial attack in the southern province of Kandahar. Witnesses say most of the victims were women and children. Loss of civilian lives at the hands of foreign forces has dramatically heightened anti-American sentiment among Afghans. Thousands have taken to the streets in recent months, protesting against rising civilian deaths by US-led forces. Large numbers of Afghans have been killed during NATO's air and ground operations since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

PressTV: [Sep 1, 2010] US-led strike kills more Afghan civilians Another US-led airstrike has killed several civilians in Afghanistan's troubled south, amid growing public discontent over such attacks. Afghan provincial officials say at least a dozen people were also injured in the attack, which took place in Kandahar Province on Wednesday, a press TV correspondent reported. NATO has yet to comment on the incident. The incident comes after foreign troops killed three civilians and injured three others in the southern province of Helmand. The US-led military alliance says two women died on Tuesday during an airstrike against alleged Taliban militants. Another civilian was killed in a separate NATO attack in the same region. Most of the NATO forces in Helmand are British and American service members. Loss of civilian lives at the hands of foreign forces has caused anti-American sentiments and deep anger among Afghans. Thousands have taken to the streets in recent months, protesting against rising civilian deaths by US-led forces.