The U.S. commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan has apologized over the deaths of up to 18 civilians in a coalition air strike on June 6.
A NATO spokesman said that General John Allen flew to eastern Logar Province to personally deliver his regrets to villagers and local leaders for the civilian deaths.
It was the first confirmation by NATO forces that civilians were killed in the air strike, which occurred during what officials said was a raid to capture a Taliban operative.
Afghan officials have said the air strike killed 18 civilians, including women and children.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has denounced the air strike as unjustified and "unacceptable."
A NATO spokesman said that General John Allen flew to eastern Logar Province to personally deliver his regrets to villagers and local leaders for the civilian deaths.
It was the first confirmation by NATO forces that civilians were killed in the air strike, which occurred during what officials said was a raid to capture a Taliban operative.
Afghan officials have said the air strike killed 18 civilians, including women and children.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has denounced the air strike as unjustified and "unacceptable."