14 soldiers killed in US air strike Afghan officials

At least eight Afghan soldiers were killed and five injured in a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation air strike in Logar province in Afghanistan on Monday, media reported. Five troops were also wounded in the strike, Razaq added.

District governor Mohammad Rahim Amin said the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation strike appeared to be a mistake, possibly due to poor communication in a territory where Taliban militants are particularly active. Four soldiers were wounded, he said.

Another local official said two helicopters started firing on the ANA outpost from two different sides.

AFP quoted an American military source who said that authorities are “aware of an incident involving us forces in Logar province this morning” and that an investigation is underway.

The Taliban shot at the rescue team, forcing them to leave the bodies behind.

The United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation forces concluded their combat mission at the end of past year and Afghan troops have since taken control of the country’s security, which has caused an increase in Afghan casualties.

Last week Mullah Mohammed Omar, Afghan Taliban leader backed peace talks with the government.

Foreign forces are themselves known to sometimes fall victim to “friendly fire” incidents.

It is rare for USA or coalition bombings to kill Afghan troops, but it has happened before. However, some global fighting units continue to assist Afghan special forces, and the BBC’s Kabul correspondent David Loyn says the helicopters involved in today’s attack are believed to have been engaged in this mission.