UN voices deep concern at children death in Afghan airstrike

Leila Zerrougui , the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict, has voiced deep concern regarding reports that three children were among those killed during an airstrike by international military forces in southern Afghanistan. “This reminds us that Afghan children remain among the most vulnerable in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan,” Zerrougui, said in a press statement issued here Tuesday. “We are awaiting the results of ISAF investigations on this incident. In the meantime, we reiterate that all efforts should be undertaken to ensure that children are protected in all military operations,” Zerrougui said. According to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Sunday’s airstrike was targeting Taliban insurgents in Helmand province. However, two boys and one girl, who were collecting firewood nearby, were also allegedly killed.