NDS says investigating Paktia civilian deaths’ claim

KABUL on Friday said it was investigating latest claims of civilian casualties during an NDS operation in Zurmat district of southeastern Paktia province.

A number of Zurmat residents claim nearly a dozen civilians were killed by NDS forces during an operation in Kolago area four days ago.

A statement from the spy service said the incident was being investigated as per directives of President Ashraf Ghani by a powerful delegation that also comprised human rights officials.

Defense and interior ministers also visited Paktia and Paktika provinces and met with the provincial governors and urged them to directly participate in the investigation of the incident.

The NDS statement said the incident would be seriously investigated to determine what led to the killing of civilians.

The spy service said protecting civilians during combat operations remained the agency’s top priority and its operatives exercised utmost care to prevent civilian casualties.

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