Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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August 11, 2008

Coalition Airstrike Kills 8 Afghan Civilians, 25 Militants 
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1DA4373:A6F02AD83191E16004A6A4FB12782BF021A4E82C900CD027&
 
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has urged international forces to change
their strategy in the war on terror, saying NATO and US air strikes in
Afghanistan are only killing civilians 
The U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan says eight civilians and 25
militants were killed in an air strike by U.S.-led troops Sunday in the
southern province of Uruzgan. A coalition statement said Monday that the
rebels had retreated to a compound after ambushing coalition troops and
that the troops called for an airstrike without knowing eleven hostages,
including children, were inside. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has urged
international forces to change their strategy in the war on terror,
saying NATO and U.S. air strikes in Afghanistan are only killing
civilians.Mr. Karzai told reporters in Kabul Sunday that the struggle
against terrorism is not in Afghan villages, but rather in Pakistan's
tribal region where militants have bases, hideouts and training
camps.The Afghan leader also said Pakistan is not doing enough to stop
cross-border attacks on Afghanistan. Pakistan rejects the charge.Mr.
Karzai's comments came the same day as Afghan officials announced that
clashes !
 between foreign soldiers and suspected Taliban militants claimed the
lives of at least 11 people in Kapisa province Saturday.Afghan and NATO
officials are investigating the reports. However, NATO says it does not
believe any civilians were killed in the incident.An organization
representing about 100 aid agencies in Afghanistan, the Agency
Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief, says 2500 people have been killed
in fighting in 2008 - 1,000 of them civilians.Insurgent attacks are
blamed for two-thirds of all reported civilian casualties. Military air
strikes and excessive force also are blamed.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.


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