11 kids killed as air strike hits Madrasa

An air strike by the Afghan military that hit a religious school, locally called as madrasa, killed 11 children and a prayer leader, local authorities said yesterday, in an account disputed by the national government. 

The assault in a village in the northeastern province of Takhar on Wednesday came amid clashes between suspected Taliban fighters and Afghan security forces in the area, according to provincial police spokesman Khalil Aseer.

"The air strike was carried out when the victims were busy studying the holy book," Aseer said, adding a prayer leader was killed alongside the 11 students. He said 14 people were wounded.

But the ministry of defence -- who confirmed the strike was carried out by the Afghan air force -- denied it had left civilians dead.  "Twelve Taliban including several of their commanders were killed," it said.

The ministry of defence said it had appointed a team to probe allegations of civilian casualties.

Heavy fighting with the Taliban in Takhar since Tuesday has left at least 25 security personnel dead. Despite joining peace talks with the Afghan government in Qatar last month, the Taliban have only increased violence in a bid to wield leverage in the negotiations.