Four Afghan civilians killed in 'friendly fire'

An Afghan official says at least four civilians — a child and three women — were killed by "friendly fire" when the Afghan air force staged an airstrike in southern Kandahar province.

Aziz Ahmad Azizi, provincial governor's spokesman, says eight others, including a child and seven women, were wounded in Thursday night's strike, which had targeted Taliban insurgents.

Azizi says Taliban fighters attacked villages in Mahrof district but faced strong resistance by police. He said one policeman was killed and three others wounded.

Ten Taliban were killed and eight were wounded in the battle, Azizi said. After that, the insurgents hid in people's houses, leading to civilian casualties in the airstrike.

The Taliban have not commented, but the insurgents are active in the district and often target Afghan forces. 

(With inputs from agencies.)