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

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

“The air strike was carried out when the victims were busy studying the holy Quran,” 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 — which 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 issue.

“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 air strike had destroyed the mosque.

The Afghan military has a fledgling 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 said.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.