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Roundup: U.S to investigate if forces hit hospital in northern Afghanistan

Xinhua, October 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

Three doctors of a hospital of the aid agency -- Mdecins Sans Frontires'(MSF) -- were killed as air strike targeted the MSF-run hospital in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz city on Saturday, MSF said in a statement released here.

"Three MSF staff are confirmed dead and more than 30 are unaccounted after (MSF) Trauma centre in Kunduz was hit at 2.10 a. m. local time on Saturday several times during sustained bombing and was very badly damaged," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. forces in Afghanistan which supports Afghan forces, assured on Saturday to investigate whether its forces were involved in striking MSF-run hospital.

"U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in Kunduz city at 2:15 a.m. local time, Oct. 3, against individuals threatening the force. The strike may have resulted in collateral damage to a nearby medical facility," a statement of U.S. force in Afghanistan said.

"This incident is under investigation."

According to MSF statement, the MSF-run medical team is working around the clock to do everything possible for the safety of patients and hospital staff. "We are deeply shocked by the air attack, the killing of our staff and patients and the heavy toll it has inflicted on healthcare in Kunduz,"said Bart Janssens, MSF Director of Operations, in the statement.

The MSF statement also urged all parties to respect the safety of health facilities and staff.

MSF has treated 394 wounded in hospital since fighting broke out last Monday in Kunduz city, the statement said.

"When the aerial attack occurred this morning we had 105 patients and their care-takers in the hospital and over 80 MSF international and national staff present."

Taliban militants captured major parts of Kunduz city, capital of Kunduz province 250 km north of Kabul, last Monday and government forces backed by U.S. military started counter- offensive on Thursday. According to Kunduz police, hundreds of Taliban militants have been killed so far and cleanup operation is continuing to ensure lasting peace there.

Aid agency MSF started working in Afghanistan in 1980 and since then provides medical treatment to all people according to their medical needs and do not make distinctions based on a patient's ethnicity, religious beliefs or political affiliation, MSF said in its statement. Endi