UNAMA condemns killing of at least 15 civilians in airstrike

KABUL - An airstrike targeting Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Daesh, was conducted yesterday in the eastern district of Achin. In the process civilian casualties were incurred.

UNAMA condemns the killing of at least 15 civilian men and the injuring of at least 13 others, including at least one boy, in the strike.

In the early morning of 28 September, an international military forces unmanned aerial vehicle conducted an airstrike, reportedly targeting members of ISIL/Daesh, that struck a civilian home killing the 15 civilians.

The civilians had gathered in a village to celebrate the return of a tribal elder from the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and were reportedly sleeping in a guesthouse of the elder when the airstrike occurred. Civilian victims of the strike included students and a teacher, as well as members of families considered to be pro-Government. Government sources report that ISIL/Daesh personnel also died in the attack.

In a press release issued on 28 September, United States Force-Afghanistan acknowledged conducting the airstrike but refrained from elaborating further while they “are still reviewing all materials related to the strike.”

UNAMA reiterates the need for all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.

UNAMA calls on the Government and international military forces to launch a prompt, independent, impartial, transparent, and effective investigation into this incident.

UNAMA expresses deepest condolence to the families of those killed in this incident and wishes a speedy recovery for all those injured.