SIXTY children were killed in air strikes by US-led coalition warplanes in western Afghanistan last week, a UN investigation has found.

The investigators said they had "convincing evidence" that a total of 90 civilians died.

The toll could ruin relations between the Afghan Government and the NATO-led forces. The Government has ordered that any military operation by foreign forces on its territory will be subject to new rules enforceable under international law.

The USs forces in Afghanistan have increased their reliance on air power since last year, with a corresponding increase in civilian deaths.

Kai Eide, the UN special envoy to Afghanistan who ordered the investigation, said the incident could undermine the faith of the Afghan people in international efforts to stabilise the country.

Military sources said the air strikes last Thursday on the Shindand district of Herat province were carried out not by NATO trying to bolster the Government of Hamid Karzai, but as part of a parallel US mission targeting al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.

The Australian Department of Defence said Australian forces were not involved and the rules of engagement for its troops in Afghanistan were unchanged.

A Pentagon spokesman, Bryan Whitman, promised a detailed investigation.

In his report, Mr Eide said UN investigators found eight homes in Nawabad had been destroyed and many were damaged. There was "convincing evidence, based on the testimony of eyewitnesses, and others, that some 90 civilians were killed, including 60 children, 15 women and 15 men."

Guardian News & Media, The Washington Post