The International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan is disputing a claim by Afghan President Hamid Karzai that a NATO rocket attack in southern Helmand province last Friday killed 52 civilians.
In a statement issued Monday, ISAF spokesman Rear Admiral Greg Smith said a joint investigation by NATO and the Afghan government has thus far revealed "no evidence of civilians injured or killed".
Mr. Karzai said Monday that an investigation by the Afghan intelligence service found that a NATO rocket hit a home in the Sangin district of Helmand province.
Afghan officials say the civilians had taken refuge in a house to escape fighting between NATO-led forces and Taliban insurgents.
But ISAF's Admiral Smith said any report of alleged civilian casualties in Rigi village is "completely unfounded".
VOA News
