US investigating deaths of four Afghan children

The US military was today investigating how four Afghan children were killed on a firing range where American special forces were training.

The US commandos were teaching members of Afghanistan’s new army how to use mortars and recoilless rifles when the accident occurred.

Three children were also hurt, the US army said. Two were released after treatment, while a third remained in a stable condition in hospital.

Afghan state television yesterday said two children were killed in the incident. There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy.

Residents said they were unaware the firing range was being used at the time, and that the children appeared to be playing in the area.

:: Elsewhere, US troops in Kunar province said an explosion near their base last night appeared to be a rocket fired at them from about three miles away. They said there were no US casualties and no equipment was damaged.