Detroit Free Press : Karzai says U.S., NATO air attacks are killing civilians

Karzai says U.S., NATO air attacks are killing civilians

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN: October 27, 2007

President Hamid Karzai is calling again for the United States and NATO to cut back on air strikes in the battle against Taliban and Al Qaeda, saying too many civilians have been killed.

Six years after the U.S.-led invasion, the Afghan people "cannot comprehend as to why there is still a need for air power," Karzai told the U.S. news program "60 Minutes" for a story to be broadcast Sunday.

At least 700 civilians have died in insurgency-related violence this year. About half were caused by U.S. or NATO military action, according to an Associated Press tally.

U.S. and NATO military spokesmen said precautions are taken to minimize civilian risk.