Afghan officials say a senior Taliban commander has been killed when US-led foreign forces carried out an airstrike in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand,Press TV reports.
Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, said the attack took place in the Marjah district of the province, located 610 kilometers (360 miles) southwest of Kabul, on Saturday.

He identified the slain Taliban commander as Mullah Khan Mohammad, adding that his comrade sustained serious injuries in the airborne assault.

The Taliban have not yet confirmed any casualties and made no comments on the airstrike.

Hundreds of civilians have been killed in the US-led airstrikes and ground operations in various parts of Afghanistan over the past years.

The US claims that its operations target militants, but local officials and witnesses maintain that civilians have been the main victims of the attacks.

Civilian casualties have long been a source of friction between the Afghan government and US-led forces, and have dramatically increased anti-US sentiments in the war-torn country.

On September 11, a young girl was killed and three other civilians were injured when foreign forces carried out an airstrike in Afghanistan’s northeastern province of Kapisa.

On September 7, at least four people were killed after US-led foreign forces carried out two separate airstrikes in Afghanistan’s central province of Wardak.

On September 5, at least 12 people were killed and several others injured when foreign forces carried out an airborne attack in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Logar.

Afghan officials identified the victims as Taliban militants, but local residents said the strike targeted civilians.

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror.

The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of thousands of US-led troops.

By Press TV

 

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