5 civilians killed, 10 injured in Helmand airstrikes

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): At least five civilians have been killed and 10 others wounded as a result of airstrikes in the Greshk district of southern Helmand province, sources said on Monday.

Mohammad Ibrahim, a resident of Zambly area, told Pajhwok Afghan News at Emergency Hospital in Lashkargah City that three homes came under attack at around 4:00am.

“My house was also struck. Three members of my family were killed and as many others wounded,” said Ibrahim, seeking justice for the victims.

Janan, another resident of the locality, said: “My house also came under attack. Two of my family members were killed and four injured.”

Abdul Hakim, also an inhabitant of Zambly area, told Pajhwok the airstrike destroyed his house and injured three of his relatives.

According to information from locals, children and women were also among the casualties.

Omar Zwak, the governor’s spokesman, said three civilians were killed and eight others wounded in Zambly area. He had no information on how the casualties happened.

Maj. Abdul Qader Bahadorzai, spokesman for the 215^th Maiwand Military Corps, said foreign forces conducted airstrikes in Greshk, Marjeh and Musa Qala district on Sunday night.

He said 27 militants were killed and several hideouts destroyed. But Bahadorzai denied civilians had suffered no casualties in the overnight strikes.

In a statement the provincial police headquarters said foreign forces targeted landmine and a suicide vest-making factory in the Loymanda area of Kajaki district.

The factory was completely destroyed and three militants killed the statement added.

On the other hand, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmadi said that foreign troops conducted air raids on civilian homes in the Sayedan area of Greshk district.

He said six people were killed and 10 others wounded, Children and women were among the casualties, Ahmadi claimed.

sa/mud