Coalition air strikes killed 18 Afghan civilians, U.N. says

By Josh Smith KABUL (Reuters) - At least 18 civilians were killed last week in air strikes by international forces in Afghanistan's Helmand province, an initial United Nations inquiry has concluded. American military officials say their aircraft have conducted around 30 air strikes in Helmand in the past week. "We are investigating the allegations and working diligently to determine whether civilians were killed or injured as a result of U.S. air strikes," said Brigadier General Charles Clevelan