U.S. Soldiers Reportedly Killed In First-Ever Friendly Fire Drone Incident

April 12, 2011

U.S. military officials say a missile fired by a drone appears to have killed two U.S. soldiers during fighting in the southern Afghan province of Helmand last week.

The military has launched a probe into the incident, which -- if confirmed -- would be the first instance U.S. soldiers have been killed in a "friendly fire" incident involving an unmanned aircraft.

The incident first reported by U.S. media appears to have been caused by confusion on the battlefield near the town of Sangin where U.S. forces were fighting insurgents.

The U.S. Defense Department has not officially commented on the reports saying only they are being investigated.

Compiled from agency reports