Five civilians killed in Afghanistan

KABUL - Five civilians including a child have been killed and three others wounded in the latest violence in southern Afghanistan, officials said Sunday.

“Three civilians including a child were killed during a clash between coalition forces and militants in Helmand,” a statement issued by the provincial governor’s office said.

The fighting took place between international troops and Taliban militants in Helmand’s Nad Ali district Saturday.

“The child died at the hospital due to injuries sustained during the fight,” the statement said, adding that it was not clear which side was responsible for the civilian casualties.

Separately, two other civilians were killed and three others injured when militants fired a rocket into a civilian house in the same district Saturday, the statement said.

Last week a total of 25 civilians were killed and dozens others injured in fighting in various parts of Afghanistan, according to the interior ministry.