US apologises for Kabul drone strike

KABUL (Pajhwok): The US military has admitted that 10 civilians, including seven children, were killed in last month’s drone strike in Kabul.

The August 29 strike targeted an Islamic State suicide bomber who posed an imminent threat to US-led troops at the Kabul airport.

On Friday, US Central Command head Gen. Frank apologised for what he called a tragic mistake.

The top US military commander told reporters it was unlikely that those killed in the drone strike had links with ISIS-K or posed a direct threat to US troops.

The raid was conducted after an ISIS-K attack that killed 13 soldiers, sailors and Marines and more than 100 civilians.

Reuters quoted McKenzie as saying that having thoroughly reviewed the findings of the probe, he was convinced that 10 civilians, including seven children, were tragically killed in the strike.

”It was a mistake, and I offer my sincere apology … I am fully responsible for this strike and this tragic outcome.”

Two days before the strike, he added, sensitive intelligence indicated the compound was being used by ISIS-K planners to facilitate future attacks.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the drone raid had killed Ahmadi who worked for Nutrition and Education International.

The defense secretary added: “We apologise, and we will endeavor to learn from this horrible mistake.”

PAN Monitor/mud

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