Airstrikes hit clinic, school in Helmand's capital

Airstrikes damd a health clinic and a high school in capital of sourn Afghanistan's Helmand province, a provincial council member said Sunday.

A Defense Ministry statement confirmed that airstrikes were carried out in parts of city of Lashkar Gah.

It said forces targeted Taliban positions, killing 54 fighters and wounding 23 ors. It me mention of a clinic or school being bombed.

Majid Akhund, a member of Helmand provincial council, said airstrikes hit a health clinic and a school in city late Saturday.

But he said area was under Taliban control so any casualties could have been caused by Taliban forces re.

A Taliban surge has intensified as U.S. and NATO troops wrap up ir withdrawal from country.

As Taliban attacks increase, Afghan security forces and government troops have retaliated with airstrikes aided by United States. fighting has raised growing concerns about civilian casualties.

An official from Helmand public health department said a nurse was killed when an airstrike hit a health clinic and a guard was wounded.

In a statement, Taliban pinned blame on “American invers” and said Safya Hospital and Muhamm Anwar Khan high school were bombed.

clinic in Lashkar Gah was offering services mostly to ms who were passing through area, according to Akhund, but in recent days area was under Taliban control and Taliban members may have been treated re.

Heavy fighting has taken place in and around Lashkar Gah and both U.S. and Afghan government air forces have conducted airstrikes in city. Taliban control nine of city’s 10 police districts.