Afghanistan - Nato strike

Seven Afghans die in Nato airstrike

Article published on the 2009-11-07 Latest update 2009-11-08 16:59 TU

Black Hawk helicopter.
(Photo: Reuters)

Seven members of the Afghanistan security force died in a Nato air strike in western Afghanistan, it was announced Saturday.

The Afghanistan Ministry of Defence said that both Afgan army and national police “were martyred and also some were wounded” in the attacks in Badghis province on Saturday.

“The commando brigade informs us that foreign forces also sustained some casualties,” said the statement. “The issue is under investigation by Afghan and Nato forces and the results will be announced soon.”

Twenty-five members of the international and Afghan forces were killed and wounded in a separate incident on Friday. Nato’s International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) say it is investigating the incident, in which five American soldiers were also wounded.

A statement from Isaf says the incident occurred after a clash involving Afgan and Isaf soldiers.

"Isaf and Afghan authorities are currently investigating  whether some of the casualties were caused by Isaf close air support," said the statement.

The soldiers were conducting a search for two missing Isaf soldiers, who, Afghan police say, drowned in a river while trying to recover airdropped supplies.