Locals claim civilians killed in Khost airstrike

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): Six members of a family have been killed as a result of a drone strike in southeastern Khost province, A local elder climes, but officials says the incident is uder investagation.

Gul Marjan, Kochi council head, told Pajhwok Afghan News the incident took place in Alisher district on Thursday night.

He said the civilians came under drone attack while heading home from a local hospital after the birth of a baby. He claimed three women, two men and the baby were killed.

Deputy police chief Najeebullah Ainee confirmed the tragic incident but did not go into details.

Talib Mangal, the governor’s spokesman, said an investigation was underway into the strike and details would be shared with the media later on.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said five civilians, including women, were killed in the drone attack.

Kabul-based US forces’ media office also confirmed the airstrike. However, it denied civilian casualties and said three Taliban fighters were killed.

The 203 Corps also in a statement has said that Three Taliban were killed in the strike.

sa/mud