HRW Calls for Probe over Alleged Forces Killing Civilians
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has demanded a joint investigation by the Afghan government and U.S. military into alleged summary executions by special forces linked with Kabul’s intelligence service, a statement by the watchdog said February 21.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has demanded a joint investigation by the Afghan government and U.S. military into alleged summary executions by special forces linked with Kabul’s intelligence service, a statement by the watchdog said February 21.
Members of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) killed 20 civilians in an operation in the southern Kandahar Province last month, HRW said in its statement.
The watchdog reported that special forces shot and killed civilians who were fleeing U.S. air strikes against insurgents in the Band-e Timor area of the Maiwand district and the Reg area of the Panjwai district.
An eyewitness who spoke to HRW by phone said the security forces shot people as they “were running away” when the airplanes came.
The watchdog also alleged security force members “dragged some men from their homes and then shot them.”
Fifty Taliban members were also killed, the report said.
A United Nations annual report on civilian casualties released last week said operations by the NDS special forces caused 61 civilian deaths and 25 injuries in 12 months.
It is worth mentioning the government has not yet commented on the issue.
