A family in Paktia province claims that they have lost six members in a night raid by “campaign forces” in Zurmat district in the province.

The family said that Naeem Farooqi, a tribal elder and member of Paktia peace committee, was killed along with his three sons and two of his brothers in this operation.

Paktia deputy governor Abdul Wali Sahi confirmed that civilians were killed during the operation.

“Certainly, it is a crime. Killing civilians is a crime even if there is the presence of the enemy during the operations,” he said.  

“We are very saddened about the fact that why these types of operations are carried out without the consolation with local officials,” Sahi added.

He said the operation was carried out without coordination with the local officials.

“They came at night and said that US forces’ comrades have come and killed six members of our family,” said victims’ family member Ehsanullah.

Residents in Zurmat district of Paktia gathered in Gardez city where they asked the Afghan government to launch an investigation into the incident.

Family members of the victims who brought the bodies of those killed in the operation in front of office of Paktia governor’s office, warned that they will not bury the bodies until government arrests the perpetrators behind the incident.

It is said that “campaign forces” are trained and supported by the US and they conduct joint operations with the US forces.