NATO officials have announced the deaths of Afghan civilians during the allied offensive against the Taliban in Helmand Province.

Two rockets, fired by NATO soldiers missed their intended Taliban target and instead struck a house in Marjah, killing twelve civilians.

The rockets landed about 300 metres from their intended target, hitting the civilians.

Ten of those killed were believed to be from the same family.

NATO's commander Gen Stanley McChrystal said his soldiers had been trying to increase their gains in routing the Taliban from the area when the accident happened.

In the massive coalition attack rockets and artillery flew in first big test of US President Barack Obama's new surge strategy for Afghanistan.
Rocket system suspended

NATO troops in Marjah had been warning civilians by leaflets that they should try to find a safe place and stay indoors, in order to escape the worst of the battle and to minimise casualties.

US Marines and British troops are trying to clear Marjah and Nad Ali district of booby traps planted by insurgents.

Many of the booby-traps have been pointed out to the troops by local civilians.

After the operation, NATO intends building a joint base with Afghan forces and police to patrol the area.