Scores more civilians die

"Local people who telephoned the BBC said that as many as 50 to 80 civilians had been killed" in an air attack in Gerishk district of Helmand province. Reports indicate that some 30 Taliban fighters perished as well.

Media reports differ on the circumstances of the attack. A US Air Force Major says that ISAF (NATO) troops called for close air support after being attacked. Other reports say it was a joint US/Afghan army convoy which initially came under Taliban fire. Britain is the lead country in the ISAF mission in that province, though Canadian troops have operated there on several occasions.