KABUL, Afghanistan (July 20) — An ISAF unit on a fire mission accidentally killed four civilians, with an unconfirmed further three deaths. Four civilians were also wounded and are now under treatment by ISAF forces.

The accident occurred last night in the Barmal district of Paktika when an ISAF unit fired two mortar rounds, which landed nearly 1 kilometre away from the intended target. Shortly afterwards wounded civilians presented themselves for treatment at an ISAF base, and a helicopter medical evacuation mission was immediately launched to assist.

ISAF deeply regrets this accident, and an investigation as to the exact circumstances of this tragic event is now underway. Further information will be released as it becomes available.