KABUL - I am seriously concerned to learn about reports of civilian casualties and fighting in Farah province, western Afghanistan on Monday.

Dari and Pashto

Details of the incident remain unclear, including the number of civilians that have lost their lives. The United Nations is making every effort to help bring clarity to the situation and I welcome efforts by the Government of Afghanistan and the international military to do the same.

I remain in close contact with General David McKiernan, the Commander of ISAF and US Forces in Afghanistan as investigations proceed.