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Afghans die in 'Nato air strike' Afghans die in 'Nato air strike'
(about 1 hour later)
At least eight members of the Afghan security forces have been killed in a Nato air strike, the Afghan defence ministry says. At least eight Afghans working with US forces have been killed in a Nato air strike in north-western Afghanistan, the defence ministry in Kabul says.
The incident occurred in north-western Badghis province on Friday, as Afghan and US forces searched for two missing American soldiers. Nato confirms an air strike was ordered and is investigating whether it was the cause of the deaths on Friday.
The patrol came under rebel attack and reportedly called for air support. It was launched as US and Afghan forces reportedly came under insurgent attack during search operations in Badghis province for two missing US soldiers.
Nato has acknowledged the Afghan deaths and says it is investigating whether they were caused by the air strike. Five Americans and 18 Afghans were also wounded on Friday.
The Afghan defence ministry said a base housing coalition troops and Afghan security forces was mistakenly hit.The Afghan defence ministry said a base housing coalition troops and Afghan security forces was mistakenly hit.
Four Afghan soldiers, three police and another person believed to have been an interpreter were killed.
'Important mission''Important mission'
Ministry spokesman Gen Zaher Azimy said on Saturday: "Yesterday, in a Nato air strike, seven Afghan (soldiers and police) were martyred in Badghis province." A spokesperson for the Nato force, US Navy Capt Jane Campbell, said: "We are saddened by the loss of life and injuries sustained during this very important mission."
Later a spokesperson for the Nato force, US Navy Capt Jane Campbell, said: "We are saddened by the loss of life and injuries sustained during this very important mission." The Afghan deaths comes days after an Afghan policeman killed five British troops in Helmand province, who the soldiers had been training.
Those killed include four Afghan soldiers and three policemen, and another person believed to have been an interpreter. The BBC's Andrew North in Kabul says that incident provoked fears about the possibility of Taliban infiltration into Afghanistan's armed forces.
Five Americans and 18 Afghans were wounded in the incident.
It comes days after an Afghan policeman killed five British troops in Helmand province, who the soldiers had been training.