"..
 Nato troops are now working to secure Marjah in the offensive |
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 continued their operations to oust the Taliban.
Nato's commander Gen Stanley McChrystal said that "we deeply regret this tragic loss of life".
...
The operation is also the first big test of US President Barack Obama's new "surge" strategy for Afghanistan.
Rocket system suspended
Civilian casualties have been a key concern for the Nato-led offensive.
...
The regions targeted were leafleted well in advance to minimise casualties....
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.
"It's regrettable that in the course...
driving a wedge between them and the insurgents.
 | MARJAH: 'TALIBAN STRONGHOLD' Town and district about 40km (25 miles) south-west of Lashkar Gah Population of town estimated at 80,000; Marjah district: 125,000 An area of lush vegetation and farmland Last remaining major Taliban stronghold in southern Helmand Considered a centre for assembling roadside bombs Lucrative supply centre for opium poppies, a Taliban revenue source Estimates of Taliban numbers ranged from 400 to 1,000  |
He says it is exactly the kind of incident that Afghanistan leaders had said must be avoided and which they know can play straight into the Taliban's hands.
The Ministry of Defence has said that British troops were not involved in the incident.
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.
In Marjah, US Marine commander Brig Gen Larry Nicholson told Agence France-Presse his forces had "blown up a lot of IEDs" and come up against "a lot of sniper fire".
He said it could take up to 30 days to make the area safe.
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Casualties
Operation Moshtarak began before dawn on Saturday when more than 15,000 troops flew into central Helmand.
The "surge" approach drove most of the insurgents out of Iraq and there is no reason why it shouldn't work in Afghanistan
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...
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.."
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