Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Office of the President

Press Release

August 23 2008

Arg, Kabul. Hamed Karzai, President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan strongly condemned the unilateral operation of the Coalition Forces in Shindand district of Herat Province.

Initial reports by the members of the Provincial Council and local security officials of Herat province suggest that at least 70 people, including women and children, were killed during this operation

The President, expressing his sorrow and regrets for this tragic accident, said that afghan efforts to avoid and stop civilian casualties so far had no desired outcomes and innocent people were still killed during the anti-terrorism operations.

President Karzi also stated that Afghanistan takes every necessary measure to avoid and stop such tragic accidents happing in future and Afghan initiatives for avoiding loss of civilian lives will soon be announced.

President Karzai extended his condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims of this accident.