A joint investigation by NATO International Security Assistance Force and the Afghan government into allegations of civilian casualties near the village of Rigi in Helmand province, July 23, has thus far revealed no evidence of civilians injured or killed.
“Any speculation at this point of an alleged civilian casualty in Rigi Village is completely unfounded,” said ISAF Communication Director Rear Admiral Greg Smith. “We are conducting a thorough joint investigation with our Afghan partners and will report any and all findings when known.”
The investigation did review a joint operation that occurred 10 kilometres south of the village of Rigi. ISAF and Afghan National Army forces came under attack by machine guns and RPGs. The joint force responded with attack helicopters and precision-guided missiles against the insurgents. All fires were observed and accounted for and struck the intended target. Coalition forces reported six insurgents killed in the strike, including a Taliban commander, a report verified by ground observation and intelligence sources.
The joint investigation is being conducted by ISAF, the Afghan Ministry of Defense, and the Afghan Ministry of Interior.
Article by ISAF HQ Public Affairs