ISAF investigates civilian casualties in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 21) – The International Security Assistance Force is looking into civilian casualties in Sangin district, Helmand province.

Coalition forces discovered five civilian casualties following an insurgent attack. Insurgents attacked coalition forces from a compound with small arms fire and machine gun. Initial reports indicate, after gaining positive identification of the insurgent’s position, coalition forces engaged with direct and indirect fire.

Following the engagement, coalition forces conducted a battle damage assessment and discovered five civilian casualties.

"This is a tragedy. We are aware that insurgents purposefully stage attacks against friendly forces using innocent civilian’s homes," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Patrick Hynes, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the family."