At least nine killed in Afghanistan after army detonates found explosives
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 3 April 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, At least nine killed in Afghanistan after army detonates found explosives, 3 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a6f2a.html [accessed 9 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 03, 2017
Taliban militants are in control of much of Helmand Province, in southern Afghanistan, with only Lashkar Gah remaining under Afghan government control.
Afghan officials say at least nine civilians from a single family were killed after an army unit detonated a cache of explosives and ammunition found in southern Helmand Province.
Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, said soldiers were attempting to destroy the ordinance they had found when the explosion occurred.
Rasoul Zazia, spokesman for the army in Helmand, also confirmed the operation in Lashkar Gah, the capital of the province.
Two provincial officials speaking on condition of anonymity on April 2 said nine civilians, including two children, three women, and four men from a single family, were killed when the explosion caused the roof of their house to collapse.
Helmand Governor Hayatullah Hayat told the dpa news agency that nine bodies had been recovered but that another was still believed to be under the collapsed building.
He said an investigation was ongoing and could not confirm if the house collapsed because of the ordinance explosion or some other reason.
Taliban militants are in control of much of Helmand Province, in southern Afghanistan, with only Lashkar Gah remaining under Afghan government control.
Based on reporting by AP and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
