Afghan civilians killed by British drone
UK defence ministry says four Afghan civilians killed and two injured in attack on Taliban commander in Helmand.
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A British Royal Air Force (RAF) drone has killed four Afghan civilians and injured two more during an attack on a Taliban commander, the British ministry of defence has confirmed.
The UK defence department verified a report in Britain’s Guardian newspaper on Wednesday, which revealed that four civilians died when a Reaper drone being controlled from a US Air force base in Nevada attacked a truck carrying a known commander.
“On 25 March, a UK Reaper was tasked to engage and destroy two pick up trucks,” the defence ministry said on Wednesday.
“Sadly, four Afghan civilians were also killed and a further two Afghan civilians were injured,” added the ministry “with deep regret”.
Two fighters were also killed in the attack.
The ministry said the airstrike marked the first time a British Reaper drone has been responsible for civilian deaths since the RAF began using the pilotless aircraft over the war-torn nation in 2007.
The revelation may complicate the role of British commanders in Helmand province, as they attempt to secure the trust of local people ahead of a change of soldiers later this month, when Afghan forces take the lead for security in an area now under UK control.