US-led airstrike kills 6 in Afghanistan

A US helicopter has claimed the lives of at least six members of Afghan security forces in Khost province in eastern Afghanistan, officials say.

Deputy Chief of Khost province Youqib Khan said that the men were killed on Friday in retaliatory fire by a US helicopter, the Associated Press reported.

The Afghan security forces allegedly opened fire at the chopper, initiating the exchange of fire.

The air strike has provoked anger among the villagers as hundreds protested. The crowd shouted anti-American slogans as they were accompanying the bodies of the deceased to the governor’s home.

“Death to America!” chanted the crowd.

According to a NATO spokesman, an investigation into the cause of the incident will be launched.

Air and ground attacks by US-led forces have taken a heavy toll on Afghan security forces and civilians since the 2001 invasion of the country.

Afghan officials including President Hamid Karzai have repeatedly condemned and demanded an end to such attacks.