16 civilians killed in airstrike in southern Helmand province in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, 16 civilians have been killed in an airstrike on their home in southern Helmand province. 

Attaullah Afghan, head of the provincial council, said the airstrike was launched yesterday in the Sangin district during heavy fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban. 

He



said most of those killed were women and children. Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said an investigation has been launched. It was not immediately clear if the airstrike was launched by Afghan forces or NATO, which often provides air support to Afghan ground troops.