30 civilians killed, 45 injured in air strike in eastern Afghanistan

Pic courtesy: Reuters

Kabul: At least 30 civilians were killed and 40 injured in an airstrike conducted by the Afghan security forces, backed by U.S. air support, in eastern Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday.

The attack, on Wednesday night was aimed at destroying a hideout used by Islamic State militants, but it accidentally targeted farmers near a field, three government officials told Reuters.

Sohrab Qaderi, a provincial council member in eastern Nangarhar province said a drone strike killed 30 workers in a pine nut field and at least 40 others were injured.

The Defence Ministry in Kabul confirmed the strike, but refused to share casualty details immediately.

U.S. forces were not immediately available for comment.