KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The Canadian military has launched an investigation into reports two Afghan children were killed today after they discovered an unexploded shell that may have been left behind by troops.
The accusation was levelled by a Panjwaii district elder following an explosion in the tiny village of Salehan, about 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city.
The explosion prompted a furious demonstration by dozens of people outside of the provincial council office in Kandahar city.
The blood-spattered bodies of two boys were on display from the open back of a small, wooden taxi as the angry crowd chanted: "Death to the Canadians."
The provincial police blamed the Taliban for the explosion, but provided no evidence.
An army spokesman, Maj. Mario Couture, confirmed troops were in the area Sunday conducting firing exercises, but said they followed standard procedure and swept the fields before departing.
He said the military's National Investigative Service has launched a probe.
Salehan is also known as Mohammed Bin Rashid Village -- named for the ruler of Dubai, who helped finance the construction of housing for people handicapped by the war.
