A NATO helicopter strike in eastern Afghanistan has killed at least nine suspected Taliban fighters but also one child. A dozen more people were reportedly wounded.
There is some confusion over the exact death toll as witnesses claim a toddler was also killed.
Initially NATO said the strike was in support of Afghan troops – but later retracted that statement.
There is local anger at the number of civilians being caught up in operations against insurgents.
Civilian casualties – particularly those caused by air strikes – are a source of friction between President Hamid Karzai and his international allies.
Difficult negotiations are continuing over the size of a residual American military presence following the departure of most international
troops by the end of 2014.
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