Petraeus focuses on civilians in Afghan directive

[woo me with science]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-10869738


David Petraeus, the top US and Nato commander in Afghanistan, has issued a new directive to troops, stressing the need to avoid civilian casualties.
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Some details - such as the conditions under which troops are allowed to proceed with strikes without being able to assess civilian presence - were kept out of the public version for security reasons.

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The US says it has been effective at reducing the number of civilian casualties.

But some in the military criticised the rules, saying the emphasis on civilians put the lives of troops at risk.

As such, there was some speculation that Gen Petraeus would scale back the restrictions.

The new directive also underlines the need for co-operation with Afghan forces, saying every operation and patrol must be partnered with an Afghan unit.

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