Friendly airstrike inflicts heavy casualties to Afghan forces in Helmand

AVA- According to the local officials, the incident took place at around 4 pm local time, involving the Afghan Air Force.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Omar Zwak confirmed the incident and said the airstrike was carried out during a counter-terrorism operation.

Zwak further added that nine security personnel lost their lives in the airstrikes as he was citing the preliminary information received by the local authorities.

He also added that at least ten security personnel also sustained injuries in the airstrike.

According to Zwak, at least two intelligence personnel and seven soldiers of the Afghan Local Police (ALP) forces were among those killed.

The local security officials have not formally commented regarding the incident so far.

Helmand remains one of the most volatile provinces in southern Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 where terrorist related incidents are frequently reported from its various districts.

The latest incident involving friendly airstrike takes place amid ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Helmand province amid rampant Taliban-led insurgency who have been attempting to capture key districts and the capital of the province since they launched their offensive earlier this year.