Official: 10 Afghan forces mistakenly killed in airstrike

KABUL – At least 10 Afghan security forces were killed after the Afghan Air Force mistakenly dropped bombs on their checkpoint in southern Helmand province, officials confirmed.

Gul Agha Muslim, a member of the Gareshk district’s local council, said another 11 were wounded in the incident Sunday. The victims were from both the Afghan police and intelligence agency, added Muslim.

Afghan Defence Ministry Spokesman General Dawlat Waziri confirmed the airstrike, without providing further details.

The district has witnessed heavy fighting in recent weeks between security forces and Taliban insurgents.

Separately, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani met with Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit to Kabul Sunday, according to a statement issued by the presidential palace.

“Both sides discussed regional security, bilateral relations, the fight against terrorism, and trade and transit,” the statement added.

The statement quoted Ghani as saying that the time has come to take practical steps toward creating an atmosphere of trust between the two countries.

Pakistan is ready to co-operate in tackling the terrorism threating both countries and supports the Afghan-led peace process, it added.