US 'must cut' Afghan casualties -- BBC

The US must do more to limit civilian casualties in Afghanistan, the Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said after meeting President Hamid Karzai.

Mr Gates said he regretted the loss oflives and would be discussing the subject with the US military. The issue of civilian casualties has caused increasing anger in Afghanistan.

"You have my word we will do everything in our power to target our common enemy while protecting the good people of Afghanistan," Mr Gates said after his meeting with President Karzai.

"I extend my sincere condolences and personal regret over the recent loss of lives as a result of coalition air strikes."