Sehar Timings Mar 30 - Ramazan 19

Lahore
LHR
04:35 AM
Karachi
KHI
05:11 AM
Islamabad
ISB
04:37 AM
Peshawar
PWR
04:41 AM
Quetta
QTA
05:06 AM

News

Children killed in Afghan airstrike that hit mosque

October 22, 2020 07:50 PM


An airstrike by the Afghan military killed 11 children and a prayer leader at a mosque, local authorities said Thursday, in an account disputed by the national government.

The strike on a village in northeastern Takhar province on Wednesday came as Afghan security forces clashed with suspected Taliban fighters, according to provincial police spokesman Khalil Aseer.

"The airstrike was carried out when the victims were busy studying the Holy Koran," Aseer said, adding a prayer leader was killed and 11 students.

He said 14 others were wounded. Mohammad Jawad Hejri, the spokesman for the provincial governor, also said the strike had killed children.

But the ministry of defence -- who confirmed the strike was carried out by the Afghan air force -- denied civilians had died. "Twelve Taliban including several of their commanders were killed," it said.

Afghanistan's Vice President Amrullah Saleh said news that children had died in a mosque "was baseless".

"Those who spread rumours will be dealt with," he wrote on Facebook. The ministry of defence said it had appointed a team to investigate. "The enemy bombarded the mosque at a time when tens of children were busy in religious studies," the Taliban said in a statement, adding the airstrike had destroyed the mosque.

The Afghan military has a fledgeling air force and small attack planes capable of conducting limited close-air support for troops on the ground.

Heavy fighting in Takhar since Tuesday has left at least 25 Afghan security personnel dead, officials have said. Despite joining peace talks with the government in Qatar last month, the Taliban have only increased violence in a bid to wield leverage in the negotiations.

The top US envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, said earlier this week that fighting is threatening the peace process.



Most Read

  1. Man murders young sister by smothering her with pillow in Toba Tek Singh Man murders young sister by smothering her with pillow in Toba Tek Singh
  2. Aitchison College students, parents stage protest against principal’s resignation Aitchison College students, parents stage protest against principal’s resignation
  3. Five Chinese among six killed in Shangla suicide bombing Five Chinese among six killed in Shangla suicide bombing
  4. Sahiba meets her father for the first time Sahiba meets her father for the first time
  5. Maaz Safder regrets 4-year relationship with wife Saba Maaz Safder regrets 4-year relationship with wife Saba
  6. ‘Khaie's incredible ending receives rave reviews and big applause ‘Khaie's incredible ending receives rave reviews and big applause

Opinion

  1. IMEC to sabotage CPEC
    IMEC to sabotage CPEC

    By Dr Asif Channer

  2. 1947 TO FORM 47
    1947 TO FORM 47

    By Dr Asif Channer

  3. Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....
    Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....

    By Ali Ramay

  4. Global race: China will reduce its unnecessary expenses
    Global race: China will reduce its unnecessary expenses

    By Ali Ramay

  5. Channer Pir: The Great Saint of Cholistan
    Channer Pir: The Great Saint of Cholistan

    By Dr Asif Channer

  6. Literate the Religious Illiterate
    Literate the Religious Illiterate

    By Dr Asif Channer