Kandahar/Kabul - At least 16 civilians, including women and children, were killed in an airstrike by NATO-led forces in Afghanistan's eastern Nuristan province, officials said Saturday. Tamim Nuristani, the governor of the province, said the civilians were killed as they were travelling out of the area after an announcement by security forces that civilians should leave ahead of an operation against Taliban insurgents.
"The victims included two women, two children and workers and shopkeepers travelling in two vehicles," Nuristani said, adding, "Two doctors and a female nurse were also killed in the incident."
The operation took place in the Waigal district, the governor said, adding he would go to the capital Kabul to complain to President Hamid Karzai and to meet with the commanders of foreign forces.
Meanwhile an Afghan parliamentarian and renowned chieftain from the southern Kandahar province was assassinated overnight by unknown gunmen.
Regarding the assassination of Wolasi Jirga (Parliament) member Haji Habibullah Sanzani, Kandahar Provincial Council chief Ahmad Wali Karzai, brother of President Karzai, told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa: "I only confirm that unknown armed men shot dead the parliament member in Zherai district but there is no further detail in this regard."
According to Ahmad Wali, an investigation is underway to find out who is behind the incident.
Afghan Mal, a member of the Provincial Council, also confirmed the murder and told
