UNITED NATIONS - A UN envoy in Afghanistan has called on all parties to the conflict to avoid civilian casualties, after a US-led military operation on Sunday killed at least 27 people, including women and children, in the southern province of Uruzgan. I am deeply saddened at the reports of the terrible loss of civilian life on Sunday in southern Afghanistan, Robert Watkins, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, said in a statement issued Monday. According to Government figures, at least 27 civilians were killed and numerous others wounded during the aerial operations carried out by international military forces. I appreciate International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) statements that the armed forces currently engaging insurgents in southern Afghanistan have taken great precautionary measures to safeguard civilians, said Watkins. I also appreciate the quick acknowledgement of responsibility and the apology by ISAF regarding Sundays loss of life in Uruzgan. However, measures highlighted in the tactical directives and guidelines issued by ISAF on the use of lethal force must be fully implemented at all times and under all circumstances, he stated. Watkins, who also serves as UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan, added that trust in the intentions of the international military forces operating in the country would suffer greatly they do not take more care to protect Afghan lives.