US Commander Apologizes for Afghanistan Civilian Deaths

Gen Stanley McChrystal said he "deeply regretted this tragic loss of life" and suspended use of the rocket launching system pending a "thorough review". Photo by armybase.us

The commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan has apologised after rockets fired during an offensive in Helmand province killed 12 civilians.

Gen Stanley McChrystal said he "deeply regretted this tragic loss of life" and suspended use of the rocket launching system pending a "thorough review".

It came as Operation Moshtarak - a huge campaign targeting Taliban strongholds in the south - entered its third day.

US, UK and Afghan forces have been working to find and defuse bombs.

Operation Moshtarak, meaning "together" in the Dari language, is the biggest coalition attack since the Taliban fell in 2001.

The operation is also considered the first big test of US President Barack Obama's new "surge" strategy for Afghanistan, the BBC reported.

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