Five children killed in Afghan shoot-out with Taliban
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 13 February 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Five children killed in Afghan shoot-out with Taliban, 13 February 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/499e98dc8.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| 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. |
February 13, 2009
CANBERRA (Reuters) – Five children have been killed after a shoot-out between Taliban insurgents and Australian soldiers in Afghanistan, the Australian Defense Force said.
The incident happened on February 12 in Oruzgan Province, where Australia's special forces were clearing a number of houses in the hunt for insurgents, defense officials said in a statement.
"Current reporting indicates that those killed include a suspected insurgent and, sadly, local nationals including five children killed, and two children and two adults injured," it said.
Those injured in the incident were treated at the scene and evacuated for further treatment.
Australia's military has started an inquiry into the incident, but said the rules of engagement for forces in Afghanistan were designed to minimize civilian casualties.
Australia has around 1,100 troops in Afghanistan, based mainly in the southern Uruzgan Province where the Taliban has a strong presence.
