At least 5 Afghan civilians dead in airstrike that killed 9 in western province

5 Afghan civilians die in airstrike that killed 9

KABUL — A tribal leader says at least six civilians — a farmer, his wife and four children — are among nine dead in an airstrike in western Afghanistan.

The U.S. military says ground forces were coming under fire from inside a compound during a prolonged gunbattle before they called in the airstrike Wednesday evening. Local tribal leader Ghulam Mohammad Khan says the airstrike killed the Afghan family and three guests.

He did not know the identities of the guests. U.S. officials say they are investigating the reports and meeting with local leaders.

Civilian deaths have been a source of friction between President Hamid Karzai and U.S. military commanders.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal has ordered troops to limit airstrikes to protect innocent Afghans.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

KABUL (AP) — The U.S. military says civilian deaths — including women and children — have been reported after an airstrike on a compound in western Afghanistan.

A statement says international forces are meeting with village elders Thursday morning to determine the extent of the casualties in Helmand.

U.S. military spokeswoman Capt. Elizabeth Mathias said ground forces were coming under fire from inside the compound during a prolonged gunbattle before they called in the airstrike.

The issue of civilian casualties has been a source of friction between President Hamid Karzai and U.S. military commanders.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal has ordered troops to limit airstrikes to prevent civilian casualties.