US probe finds fewer Afghan deaths than UN claimed

[September 02, 2008]  KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The U.S. coalition says its probe into allegations of civilian deaths in western Afghanistan this month has found that 30 to 35 Taliban militants and seven civilians were killed.

The finding disputes a preliminary U.N. report and claims by the Afghan government that around 90 civilians were killed during a U.S.-led operation in the village of Azizabad on Aug. 22.

No conclusive photos or videos to back the claim of 90 dead have emerged.

The U.S. probe says the "intensity" of incoming fire justified the forceful response.

The report says the range in casualty numbers was determined by observation of "enemy movements" during the engagement and on-site observations immediately following the fight.

[Associated Press]

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