ISAF takes additional measures to avoid civilian casualties
In his first press briefing with journalists in 2009, NATO Spokesman James Appathurai presented the recently issued Tactical Directive as a key step in ISAF’s efforts to avoid civilian casualties.
He declared that, “NATO takes the issue of civilian casualties in Afghanistan very seriously.” Even one casualty is too many and “it is a human imperative to respect the life of each Afghan - man, woman, and child,” he said.
Appathurai highlighted the new Tactical Directive in which the Commander of International Assistance Forces Afghanistan (COMISAF), General McKiernan, underscores the ongoing ISAF objective of partnering with the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) in order to defeat the insurgency and maintain the support of Afghan people.
The Tactical Directive states that respect for the Afghan people, their culture, and their religion must be the guiding principle of all ISAF personnel, both on and off the battlefield.
With the goal of preserving civilian lives and minimizing damage to property, the Directive provides all ISAF personnel with guidance for searching Afghan homes and religious sites, as well as for proportionately engaging the insurgents who hide and wage battle among the Afghan population.