New U.S. orders in Afghanistan aim to reduce deaths

The B1 bombers dropped three 2000 lb (900 kg) bombs and five 500 lb bombs, destroying two housing compounds and a mosque some distance from where a daylong battle had taken place, because pilots saw people gather in them and believed they were fighters.

The report found no one in the buildings was shooting when they were destroyed and steps had not been taken to ensure there were no civilians present.

It concluded that the strikes "did not adhere to all of the specific guidance and commander's intent contained in the controlling directive."

U.S. investigators initially estimated about 26 civilians had died along with about 76 fighters, but the military's report noted an Afghan human rights agency had tallied 86 dead civilians and called its conclusions "balanced" and "thorough."

(Editing by Jerry Norton)