The U.S. military says it mistakenly bombed friendly Afghan forces Friday afternoon in Helmand province, killing at least nine soldiers.
A news release from U.S. Forces Afghanistan confirmed the deaths were from a U.S. airstrike and happened during a U.S.-supported Afghan operation airstrike in Gereshk District in the province.
A U.S. military official said the strike was conducted by a U.S. drone and struck a group of friendly Afghan forces who were gathered in a compound.
“We have notified Afghan officials of this incident. An investigation will be conducted to determine the specific circumstances that led to this incident,” the release said.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the families affected by this unfortunate incident.”
A U.S. official said the initial reports suggest at least nine deaths, but said that number is likely to rise.
