The US military has admitted killing civilians in an air strike in eastern Afghanistan last week and a provincial governor said 17 villagers including women and children had died. (AFP/file photo)

KABUL, July 4 (Xinhuanet) -- US forces conducted an air strike Friday against a military compound in Afghan eastern province of Kunar that resulted in the deaths of some terrorists and civilians, the US military said Monday.

    "The targeted compound was a known operating base for terrorist attacks in Kunar province as well as a base for a medium-level terrorist leader. Battle damage assessment is currently ongoing," it said.

    "U.S. forces regret the loss of innocent lives and follow stringent rules of engagement specifically to ensure that non-combatants are safeguarded. However, when enemy forces move their families into the locations where they conduct terrorist operations, they put these innocent civilians at risk," it added.

    At the same time, Kunar Governor Asadullah Wafa said that 17 civilians were killed during the bombing, including women and children. He did not say whether any militants were also believed to be in the compound.

    While, the US military said in the statement, "Every air operation is carefully planned and all possible efforts are taken to prevent non-combatant injuries and deaths. In some instances, U.S. forces dramatically alter a planned mission, or cancel it altogether, to prevent risk to innocent lives. Coalition forces deeply regret the loss of innocent lives and are investigating the incident to prevent future occurrences."

A man cries out as he is treated for injuries following US air strikes in the western Iraqi town of Qaim, 450 km (350 miles) northwest of Baghdad, June 12, 2005. (Reuters/file photo)

    The bomb attack in Kunar province began on Friday, three days after the US Chinook helicopter was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade when it was carrying on the searching operation for the missing US ground team in the area. Sixteen US troops, including eight Navy SEALs were killed in the air crash.

    One of the six missed US Special Forces troops has been rescued Sunday, a US official said.

    The searching program is still going on for other missed US troops, despite bad weather, mountainous terrain and the continued threat from militant attacks, a US military official said. Enditem