September, 04 2009, 01:47pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Diana Duarte, Media Coordinator,Phone: +1 212 627 0444,Email:,media@madre.org
NATO Air Strike in Afghanistan Claims Civilian Lives
This morning, an estimated 90 people were killed in Kunduz
province in northern Afghanistan, when a NATO air strike targeting two
fuel trucks caused a massive explosion. UN reports indicate that
civilians made up dozens of those who lost their lives. MADRE condemns
the apparent disregard exhibited by NATO and US military leadership
towards the threats to civilians in the on-going usage of air strikes
to attack Taliban targets.
WASHINGTON
This morning, an estimated 90 people were killed in Kunduz
province in northern Afghanistan, when a NATO air strike targeting two
fuel trucks caused a massive explosion. UN reports indicate that
civilians made up dozens of those who lost their lives. MADRE condemns
the apparent disregard exhibited by NATO and US military leadership
towards the threats to civilians in the on-going usage of air strikes
to attack Taliban targets.
Representatives at NATO today stated that, at the time of the attack,
they believed there was no civilian presence. However, they have since
learned that civilians were present. The air strike was purportedly
intended to target the fuel trucks hijacked by the Taliban, and NATO
investigators are currently in Kunduz province to establish whether a
"mistake" was made. NATO representatives have also indicated their
intention to "apologize" should they determine that their actions ended
civilian lives.
Yifat Susskind, MADRE Policy and Communications Director, said today,
"The worn-out and twisted practice of issuing official 'regrets' or
'apologies' in the aftermath of such attacks has become a mantra.
Again and again, we have seen the same scenario with the same tragic
results for Afghan civilians. This indiscriminate killing is a known
outcome of NATO air strikes, and to claim otherwise will only put more
lives in danger."
MADRE calls for an end to the air strikes and to military attacks that destroy civilian lives.
To find out more about MADRE's work in Afghanistan, click here: https://www.madre.org/index.php?s=9&b=42
MADRE is an international women's human rights organization that partners with community-based women's groups to advance women's human rights, challenge injustice and create social change in contexts of war, conflict, disaster and their aftermath. MADRE advocates for a world in which all people enjoy individual and collective human rights; natural resources are shared equitably and sustainably; women participate effectively in all aspects of society; and all people have a meaningful say in policies that affect their lives. For more information about MADRE, visit www.madre.org.
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