February 5, 2010 Afghan border police mistook a group of villagers gathering near the Pakistan border as militants and opened fire, killing seven civilians, msnbc website reports.

According to local officials, the officers started shooting from about 400 yards away and discovered the villagers were not armed when went to recover bodies.

All six officers were arrested. The investigation is launched to clarify details.

Afghan-Pakistan border is a common transit route for Taliban militants and smugglers, and border police are often attacked in the area, the source informs.

L.A.