Civilians in southern Afghanistan are in greater danger now more than ever, with American-led forces mercilessly pounding Taliban strongholds in the region, especially in Kandahar province.
The CBS News quoted American commanders as saying that the insurgents are now fleeing in droves, thanks to the increased use of heavy artillery and air assaults.
U.S. commanders have emphasized the need to protect civilians at all costs, but the overwhelming and sometimes indiscriminate use of firepower, has claimed some civilian lives.
Lt. Stephen Draheim, Bravo troop platoon leader, 1-75 Cav, 101st Airborne division, said: "In this conflict, in this fighting, people continue to die when we are just trying to make the Taliban go away."
The military is often using heavy artillery and ordering more air strikes. That makes civilian casualties inevitable.