2 policemen dead, 3 injured in ISAF airstrike

GHAZNI (PAN) airstrike in southern Ghazni province, officials said on Saturday.

The raid on a police checkpoint took place in the 2nd police district of Ghazni City on Friday night, the provincial police chief, Brig. Gen. Zarawar Zahid, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

 The attacked resulted from a misunderstanding between the police and NATO-led troops, he said, adding an investigation into the incident had been launched.

But a statement from ISAF said  a combined Afghan and coalition security force was fired upon by individuals at an Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) checkpoint while on an operation in Ghazni.

“Individuals at an ANSF checkpoint engaged the security force with rocket-propelled grenades, mortar and small arms fire. The security force requested air support in an attempt to de-escalate the situation,” the statement added.

“After multiple attempts to identify themselves as friendly forces, the security force was unable to stop the threat and engaged the checkpoint in self-defense, killing two individuals. Afghan National Police (ANP) responded to the compound to assess the situation and render medical care if needed following the incident. Three additional personnel were wounded in the incident. An investigation would be conducted,” it concluded.

mrh/mbg/mud