Gen. Campbell: Afghan forces requested airstrike that hit hospital in Kunduz

The top US commander in Afghanistan Gen. John Campbell has said the airstrike on Kunduz hospital was carried out by the US military after receiving requests by the Afghan security forces.

Speaking to reporters at a Pentagon briefing, Gen. Campbell said “We have now learned that on October, 3rd, Afghan forces advised that they were taking fire from enemy positions and asked for air support from U.S. Forces.”

“An air strike was then called to eliminate the Taliban threat and several civilians were accidentally struck,” Gen. Campbell added.

According to Gen. Campbell, the information was different from initial reports that “indicated that U.S. forces were threatened and that the air strike was called on their behalf.”

At least 22 people including doctors of the organization Doctor’s without Borders were killed and several others were injured after their hospital was hit in the raid.

In the meantime, Gen. Campbell said three investigations are underway and “if errors were committed, we’ll acknowledge them. We’ll hold those responsible accountable and we will take steps to ensure mistakes are not repeated.”