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Civilians die in Afghan offensive Civilians die in Afghan offensive
(10 minutes later)
Nato has confirmed that two rockets fired at militants during its offensive in southern Afghanistan missed their target and killed 12 civilians. Nato has confirmed that two rockets fired at militants during its offensive in Helmand, south Afghanistan, missed their target and killed 12 civilians.
The rockets struck a house in Marjah as thousands of Nato troops carried out operations to oust the Taliban from their stronghold in Helmand province. The rockets struck a house in Marjah as thousands of Nato troops continued their operations to oust the Taliban.
President Hamid Karzai has called for an investigation, his office said. Nato's commander Gen Stanley McChrystal said that "we deeply regret this tragic loss of life".
Nato commander Gen Stanley McChrystal told Mr Karzai that "we deeply regret this tragic loss of life". Coalition forces are aiming to build on gains in Operation Moshtarak, tackling snipers and booby-traps on day two.
Civilian casualties have been a key concern for the Nato-led offensive - Operation Moshtarak. A third Nato death related to the operation has also been confirmed.
The regions targeted were leafleted well in advance to minimise casualties. Operation Moshtarak, meaning "together" in the Dari language, is the biggest coalition attack since the Taliban fell in 2001.
President Karzai urged Nato ahead of the operation to be careful to avoid civilian casualties. The operation is also the first big test of US President Barack Obama's new "surge" strategy for Afghanistan.
Rocket system suspendedRocket system suspended
Mr Karzai's office said in a statement that it believed at least 10 of those killed were from the same family. Civilian casualties have been a key concern for the Nato-led offensive.
The rockets were from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, Nato said. The regions targeted were leafleted well in advance to minimise casualties.
MARJAH: 'TALIBAN STRONGHOLD' Town and district about 40km (25 miles) south-west of Lashkar GahPopulation of town estimated at 80,000; Marjah district: 125,000An area of lush vegetation and farmlandLast remaining major Taliban stronghold in southern HelmandConsidered a centre for assembling roadside bombsLucrative supply centre for opium poppies, a Taliban revenue sourceEstimates of Taliban numbers ranged from 400 to 1,000 A question of trust In pictures: Moshtarak Conflict reaches critical juncture Details of the operation
President Hamid Karzai has called for an investigation into the civilian deaths, his office said. Mr Karzai had urged Nato ahead of the operation to be careful to avoid civilian casualties.
His office said in a statement that it believed at least 10 of those killed were from the same family.
Nato said in a statement: "Two rockets from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launched at insurgents firing upon Afghan and [Nato] forces impacted approximately 300 metres (980ft) off their intended target, killing 12 civilians."
Gen McChrystal said: "The current operation in Central Helmand is aimed at restoring security and stability to this vital area of Afghanistan.Gen McChrystal said: "The current operation in Central Helmand is aimed at restoring security and stability to this vital area of Afghanistan.
"It's regrettable that in the course of our joint efforts, innocent lives were lost."It's regrettable that in the course of our joint efforts, innocent lives were lost.
"We extend our heartfelt sympathies and will ensure we do all we can to avoid future incidents.""We extend our heartfelt sympathies and will ensure we do all we can to avoid future incidents."
The use of the the rocket system involved has been suspended pending a review.The use of the the rocket system involved has been suspended pending a review.
Meanwhile, US, UK and Afghan forces have faced gun battles and numerous booby-traps on day two of the offensive in Marjah and Nad Ali in Helmand province.
The BBC's Frank Gardner, at Nato's Kandahar headquarters, says that building by building, compound by compound, US Marines and British troops are trying to clear the two districts of hundreds, possibly thousands, of booby traps planted by the insurgents.
But, our correspondent says, the real challenge is still to come: building lasting security for the residents of central Helmand.
Many residents are believed to be cautious about welcoming government forces for fear they will soon depart again.
Casualties
The operation began before dawn on Saturday when more than 15,000 troops flew into central Helmand.
HAVE YOUR SAY The "surge" approach drove most of the insurgents out of Iraq and there is no reason why it shouldn't work in AfghanistanAlan Trent, London Send us your comments
American forces, led by 4,000 Marines, are focusing on Marjah, while 4,000 British troops are in Nad Ali.
A large Afghan force, as well as Canadians, Danes and Estonians, is also involved.
Three Isaf deaths related to Operation Moshtarak have been confirmed.
On Saturday, a British soldier, of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, died in a bomb blast in Nad Ali, while a US soldier was killed by gunfire in Marjah.
On Sunday, another service member was killed in an IED attack.
At least 20 Taliban fighters were killed and another 11 detained on Saturday, an Afghan commander said.
'Going well'
At a Ministry of Defence briefing in London, Maj Gen Gordon Messenger said the operation had so far "gone to plan".
"Nothing has stopped the mission from progressing," he said, although UK troops had taken small-arms fire.
AFP quoted President Obama's top security adviser, Gen James Jones, as also saying the offensive was "going well".
President Obama will be briefed on Sunday by the US commander in Afghanistan, Gen Stanley McChrystal.