KABUL, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- An Afghan civilian motorcyclist died as a warning shot fired by NATO-led International security Assistance Force (ISAF) hit him in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province Tuesday, said a press release of the military alliance here Wednesday.

    "Tuesday afternoon, a motorcyclist traveling at high speed approached an ISAF security cordon in Kandahar city. Despite verbal warning to stop, he refused to halt. ISAF forces fired a warning shot in a safe direction which hit the civilian," the press release added.

    The man was taken to hospital where the doctors pronounced him dead, the press release stressed.

    "ISAF deeply regrets the loss of life to civilians. It is not known why the motorcyclist failed to stop when clear signals were given," the press release further said.

    NATO's erroneously firings and bombings have claimed the lives of over two dozen civilians since beginning this year in Afghanistan mostly in the southern region.