KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Up to 13 civilians including women and children were killed in airstrikes that targeted Taliban hideouts in Alkozai area of Chardara district, northern Kunduz province on Thursday, a local official said on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, an eyewitness from Alkozai area who introduced himself as Malim Shirin Mohammad, confirmed the incident with Xinhua.
"It was 11:00 a.m. today when the aircrafts targeted Taliban hideouts in Alkozai village, killing 13 people including women and children," said the eyewitness, adding that all the victims belonged to two families.
Nematullah Timori, spokesman for Kunduz provincial government, confirmed that operations from ground and air are underway against militants in parts of Chardara district including Alkozai, Rubatak and Nahr-e-Sufi villages since early Thursday.
"About 15 to 20 people have been killed and injured during the operations involving artillery and air raids," Timori told Xinhua.
However, he said "it is too early to confirm if the victims are civilians," adding that the fact would be made public after investigation.
