Civilians 'accidentally struck' in Afghan hospital bombing, U.S. commander says

(CNN)A Doctors Without Borders hospital in Afghanistan was struck accidentally after Afghan forces called for air support from the American military, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan says.

The bombing of the hospital in the city of Kunduz over the weekend killed 23 people -- nearly half of them hospital patients -- and has prompted outrage around the world.

Addressing reporters at the Pentagon on Monday, Gen. John Campbell said initial reports had indicated that the airstrike was called to protect U.S. forces.

"We have now learned that on October 3, Afghan forces advised that they were taking fire from enemy positions and asked for air support from U.S. forces," he said. "An airstrike was then called to eliminate the Taliban threat, and several innocent civilians were accidentally struck.

Campbell offered his "deepest condolences" to the victims.

U.S. President Barack Obama says the Pentagon is carrying out "a full investigation" and he expects "a full accounting of the facts and circumstances."
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U.S. commander says civilians 'accidentally struck' in Afghan hospital bombing