ISAF Joint Command
08.30.2010 KABUL, Afghanistan - The commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command has ordered an investigation into the allegations of civilian casualties in Baghlan province during an operation, Aug. 22.
The investigation was ordered based on information contained in the joint initial assessment team's report of the operation.
The assessment team determined that several rounds from coalition helicopters fell short, missing the intended target and instead striking two buildings, which may have resulted in civilian casualties. Insurgents were using the building as a base of operations; however, it was not the intended target.
"We are here to protect the people of Afghanistan. Civilian casualties reduce the confidence of the Afghan people and erodes trust placed in us," said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, ISAF Joint Command commander. "This is a serious issue and that's why I ordered this investigation. We will find out what happened during this operation."
Results of the investigation will be provided upon completion.