U.S.-Afghan airstrike that caused civilian casualties was due to missile malfunction

A U.S. airstrike that led to several civilian casualties in Afghanistan was the result of a missile malfunction.

The information was shared in a press release from the Resolute Support Mission, the NATO endeavour to train and support anti-terror forces in the Islamic Republic.

"Tragically one of the missiles malfunctioned, causing several casualties," the press release read.

The statement did not throw any light on how many casualties there were, what caused the missile to malfunction, or if anyone was killed.

"Resolute Support deeply regrets the harm to non-combatants. We take every precaution to avoid civilian casualties, even as the enemies of Afghanistan continue to operate in locations that deliberately put civilians at very high risk," the press statement added.

The airstrike is said to have been conducted in response to a Wednesday attack on the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, where United States Defence Secretary James Mattis was to arrive for an official visit.

One person was killed and four were wounded in the attack, according to Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Najibn Danish.