The U.S.-led NATO force in Afghanistan has apologized for an air strike last week that killed eight young Afghan children. Local residents blamed NATO at the time, but it took several days for NATO to admit fault. Earlier today, NATO’s communications director, General Lewis Boone, confirmed the bombing and expressed regret.

Gen. Lewis Boone: “I would like to first express our most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the eight victims of this small community, in which eight young Afghans lost their lives as a result of an air strike by coalition forces. Despite all tactical directives being followed precisely, we know now the unfortunate results of this engagement.”

According to the United Nations, civilian casualties in Afghanistan increased for a fifth straight year in 2011 from nearly 2,800 to more than 3,000.