20 perish in Helmand blitz

Monitoring Desk

LASHKARGAH: At least 20 persons were killed as a result of airstrike in Lashkargah city, capital of Helmand province.

In a press release available with Afghan Islamic Press (AIP), Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousaf Ahmadi said the US forces conducted bombardment on a mosque in Kopaka village in Babaji area of Lashkargah city, leaving eight civilians dead and 15 more injured.

Some people were buried under the debris, he said, adding that the death toll could further rise.

“The US occupying forces, as part of their failures and disappointment, have started conducting bombardment on civilian houses, religious seminaries and mosques, killing innocent Afghan people. The Islamic Emirate strongly condemns this war crime and dread,” he said.

Local residents, however, said a house located in Nadali district was targeted in the blitz.

A member of Helmand provincial assembly, Mir Ahmad told AIP that a house had been bombarded in Kopaka village. The house was completely destroyed and a nearby mosque was damaged in the blitz.

“Local residents told me that 20 persons were killed in the airstrike. Ten of them were beyond recognition. They had no information as who lived in the house. Civilians were also among the dead,” he said.

The area is situated in the fourth security zone of Nadali district. According to officials of Helmand emergency hospital, five injured persons had been brought from the site to the hospital.

Residents of Kopaka village said Taliban and civilians offering prayers in the mosque suffered casualties in the airstrike. However, accurate information about casualties could not be ascertained immediately.

Officials in Helmand and foreign forces have not said anything formally in this regard so far.