Probe as Afghans left with ‘unusual burns’ after US airstrikes

AFGHANISTAN’S leading human rights organisation said yesterday it was investigating the possibility that white phosphorus was used in a US-Taliban battle that killed scores of Afghans.

The US military rejected speculation it had used the weapon but left open the possibility Taliban militants did.

Afghan doctors are concerned over what they are calling “unusual” burns on Afghans wounded in last Monday’s battle in Farah province, which President Hamid Karzai has said may have killed 125 to 130 civilians.