NATO strike kills Taliban commander in Afghan hotspot

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2007

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AFP) — Warplanes have struck a Taliban compound in southern Afghanistan with "precision munitions", killing an area commander and about 10 of his men, the NATO force said.

Villagers said Wednesday the raid in the southern province of Helmand, near a town captured by Taliban two weeks ago, also killed civilians, but this was rejected by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

"Precision, laser-guided munitions impacted on target, exactly as planned, and resulted in the death of a confirmed extremist leader and several of his associates," an ISAF statement said.

"Following the attack, ISAF clearly observed Taliban extremists removing the bodies of 11 fighting-age males from the remains of the building. No women or children...