Human rights groups in Nigeria are condemning a pattern of civilian deaths from airstrikes in the northeast, and are calling for an impartial investigation of the military’s operations. This follows reports from local residents that a weekend airstrike targeting armed gangs in Zamfara state killed at least 15 civilians.

Nigeria’s air force has confirmed it is investigating multiple reports of civilian casualties from the Saturday raid.

An air force spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, stated Sunday that there is no confirmed evidence of civilian casualties and clarified that the airstrike targeted criminal gangs, resulting in the rescue of several people.

Local residents in Tungar Kara village, however, told the news media that at least 15 people were killed, including members of a local militia.

The incident follows a Christmas Day airstrike in nearby Sokoto state that killed 10 civilians.

Isa Sanusi of Amnesty International condemned the reports of frequent civilian casualties.