At least 10 dead as Afghans protest NATO raid victims

At least 10 people were killed and 70 injured Wednesday during protests against a NATO raid that Afghan officials say killed civilians in northern Afghanistan, according to local officials and German military officers.

Protesters clashed with police during the demonstrations attended by about 4,000 people, said Gov. Abdul Jabar Taqwa of Takhar province.

They were protesting an attack Tuesday night that NATO said killed four insurgents, including two armed females.

However, a deputy governor said the victims of the attack included a man, his wife and a guest not linked to any insurgent group.

Afghan officials said 11 people were killed during the protests, while German officials put the death toll at 10.

The demonstrations took place near the offices of a German provincial reconstruction team.

Two German soldiers and four Afghan guards were injured during the clashes, according to the German military.

The protesters "were ordinary and innocent residents of the village," said Farid Zaki, the deputy governor. "These night raids are creating mistrust between the people, the Afghan government and international forces."

The joint Afghan and coalition force operation Tuesday night targeted "the facilitator" of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in Taloqan district, according to NATO.

"The facilitator acquires, constructs and moves weapons and explosives throughout the province," NATO said in a statement. "He is currently heavily involved in the movement and procurement of weapons for imminent attacks."