NATO-led force mistakes drug rehabilitation center for Taliban prison

NATO-led force mistakes drug rehabilitation center for Taliban prison

2010-10-18 02:18:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

LASHKAR GAH, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Afghan and coalition forces mistook a drug rehabilitation center in southern Afghanistan for a Taliban prison during a recent operation, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) confirmed on Sunday.

The joint force was attempting to track down a suspected insurgent during the operation that took place in the Koshkawi area on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand Province, on Friday.

"During the operation a compound was encountered containing what was perceived to be Taliban prisoners," said Master Sergeant Matt Summers, a spokesman for ISAF. "The Afghan National Police were called in to investigate."

ISAF said at least 47 people were in the compound, including several personnel who were taken into custody while authorities investigated. "It has subsequently been determined that the compound was in fact a Drug Rehabilitation Center run by Bahuddin Jan," Summers said.

Summers said the arrested personnel have since been released and returned to the center, where the issue has been discussed with local officials. "A Shura (consultation) has been held between coalition forces and Bahwuddin Jan Agha to discuss the issue and apologize for the inconvenience caused," he added.

James Judge, a NATO spokesman, said the patients were turned over to Afghan officials but did not say whether they were returned to the center. "Once it was realized that the person we were looking for was not among them, the 47 individuals were turned over to Afghan officials," he said.

No one was reported injured during the operation.

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