Military to issue restriction on fighting near Afghan houses

The U.S. and NATO forces are looking for ways to prevent civilian casualties.

An Associated Press report said a formal order from the top U.S. general in Afghanistan is expected soon and the order will be for American and NATO troops to break away from fights with militants hiding in Afghan houses.

Civilian deaths are hurting the mission, leaders say, as well as relations between the U.S. and Afghanistan. U.S., NATO and Afghan forces killed 829 civilians in the Afghan war last year, according to U.N. figures cited in the AP report.

The order to be issued by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, will allow troops to attack insurgents hiding in Afghan houses if U.S. or NATO forces are in imminent danger, according to the AP report.

A number of Alabama troops are in Afghanistan now, including Embedded Training Teams that are training the Afghan military and police forces. More troops are deploying this year.