Afghans protest against civilian casualties in raids

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - Hundreds of Afghan protesters on Wednesday closed down the main highway connecting capital Kabul with southeastern provinces in a protest against the alleged killings of civilians in a security operation.

The protesters claimed security forces killed seven civilians of a family and wounded 15 more in the Mohammad Agha district of Logar province last night. They demanded justice and actions against perpetrators of the incident.

When contacted, Shamshad Dilawari, spokesman for the governor, told Anadolu Agency an operation was indeed conducted in the area, but he declined to confirm the civilian casualties. According to local Ashna Radio, the special forces conducted the operation without coordinating with the local authorities.

Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahed, noted in a statement the U.S. and Afghan forces conducted this joint operation in Aabazak area of the district and all victims are civilians, not Taliban.

There has been an evident surge in such incidents with notable increase in night raids by the Afghan forces. Two weeks ago, residents in eastern Nangarhar province staged protests against similar incidents of counter-terror operations gone wrong resulting in civilian casualties.