NATO-led troops fire on vehicle, civilians killed

Afghan soldiers and police man a checkpoint in central Kabul on October 22, 2009.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Four civilians die when NATO-led troops in southern Afghanistan fire on a vehicle
Vehicle was accelerating in their direction in the city of Kandahar
The military is investigating the incident

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Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Four civilians died when NATO-led troops in southern Afghanistan fired on a vehicle accelerating in their direction on Saturday, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said.

The incident occurred in the city of Kandahar when "the driver of a local vehicle failed to stop" when it was headed toward troops. The service members attempted "to signal the fast-approaching vehicle with passive measures, but fearing for their safety fired on the vehicle."

The deaths of civilians in such so-called escalation-of-force incidents and in airstrikes targeting militants have caused widespread anger among Afghans toward foreign troops. The military is investigating the incident.

"We are deeply sorry for the loss of any life, especially civilians," said Col. Wayne Shanks, an ISAF spokesman. "However, we make every effort to minimize the risk of any damage, injury or loss of life to civilians during our operations."