Official: U.S. Airstrike in Afghanistan Kills 21 Civilians

Nothing can do more damage to our war effort than civilian casualties. We cannot win the war in Iraq without winning the hearts and mind of the people in that country. The Taliban understands this. That is why they hide amongst innocent villagers. Nonetheless, every civilian death at the hands of coalition forces plays into the hands of an evil enemy:

Airstrikes called in by U.S. Special Forces soldiers fighting with insurgents in southern Afghanistan killed at least 21 civilians, officials said Wednesday. One coalition soldier was also killed.

Helmand provincial Gov. Assadullah Wafa said Taliban fighters sought shelter in villagers' homes during the fighting in the Sangin district Tuesday evening, and that subsequent airstrikes killed 21 civilians, including several women and children.