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'Three doctors died in airstrike against Afghan hospital'

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IANS Kabul
Last Updated : Oct 03 2015 | 2:22 PM IST

Three doctors were killed as security forces targeted Taliban militants hiding in a hospital in Afghanistan's Kunduz city on Saturday, the hospital authorities said in a statement.

"Three Mdecins Sans Frontires'(MSF) doctors have died and over 30 are missing after air strikes were launched at 2.10 a.m. (local time) on Saturday," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

Meanwhile, the US forces in Afghanistan which supports Afghan forces, assured to investigate whether its forces were involved in striking the hospital.

"US forces conducted air strikes in Kunduz city at 2.15 a.m. (local time) against individuals threatening the force. The strike may have resulted in collateral damage to a nearby medical facility," a statement of US force in Afghanistan said.

"This incident is under investigation," the US force statement said.

According to MSF statement, the hospital's medical team is working to do everything possible for the safety of patients and hospital staff.

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"We are deeply shocked by the air attack, the killing of our staff and patients," said Bart Janssens, MSF Director of Operations.

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

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

Taliban militants captured major parts of Kunduz city, capital of Kunduz province, last Monday and government forces backed by US 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.

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First Published: Oct 03 2015 | 2:04 PM IST

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