The northern Afghanistan battle that killed two U.S. service members and wounded four more has resulted in dozens of civilian casualties, U.S. military officials confirmed.
The operation against Taliban forces to defend Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in the Kunduz province Nov. 3 resulted in heavy American and Afghanistan casualties, an investigation by US Forces-Afghanistan determined Saturday.
More than 30 civilians had been killed and 46 wounded in airstrikes which the governor of Kunduz, Asadullah Omarkhel, attributed to Afghan forces, according to the New York Times. Omarkhel said four Afghan Special Forces soldiers were also killed.
“I deeply regret the loss of innocent lives, regardless of the circumstances. The loss of innocent life is a tragedy and our thoughts are with the families,” General John W. Nicholson, Commander of US Forces-Afghanistan, said in a statement.
On Thursday, Afghan forces and U.S. military advisers conducted a mission in Boz village in the Kunduz district, targeted by Taliban leaders who were planning additional attacks, according to the statement. The forces received significant enemy fire and “defended themselves with ground fire and U.S. air-to-ground engagements.” Several Taliban leaders and Taliban members were reportedly killed.
“We will work with our Afghan partners to investigate and determine the facts and we will work with the Government of Afghanistan to provide assistance,” Nicholson said.
