“North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces said today they were investigating reports that nine civilians were killed in a rocket strike aimed at insurgents in the volatile southern Afghan province of Helmand. The incident came despite new efforts by international forces to avoid civilian casualties and make the Afghan population feel safe. Dozens of angry villagers carried the bodies today through the streets of the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, before they were dispersed by police firing guns in the air, witnesses said. In the east, a U.S. service member was killed when insurgents attacked a patrol Wednesday afternoon, military officials said.” (11/05/09)