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Seven Afghan Soldiers Killed In Suspected NATO Air Strike

Updated

Afghan security officials say at least seven Afghan soldiers were killed early on July 20 by a NATO air strike that mistakenly hit their post in a province south of Kabul in the midst of a battle against Taliban militants.

Provincial army commander Abdul Razaq said five Afghan soldiers also were wounded by the air strike, which hit a checkpoint of Afghan security forces in the Baraki Barak district of Logar Province.

Afghanistan's Defense Ministry said the mistaken air strike happened as coalition helicopters were providing close air support to Afghan troops battling Taliban militants.

District governor Mohammad Rahim Amin said the mistake was likely the result of poor coordination between Afghan forces and the international coalition.

A U.S. military spokesman in Afghanistan, Colonel Brian Tribus, said the coalition was aware of the reports and is investigating what happened.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP

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