TAGAB VALLEY, Afghanistan — French forces say the death toll from rockets fired at a crowded market northeast of Kabul where the head of French forces in Afghanistan was holding a meeting with tribal elders has increased to 12.

Lt. Col. Lionel, who can only be identified by his first name in accordance with French military policy, says the attack on the market in the town of Tagab in Kapisa province killed 12 civilians and wounded another 38.

Lionel witnessed the attack and said the target had been the meeting, known as a shura, where Brig. Gen. Marcel Druart was discussing with elders a major French offensive in the Tagab Valley the previous day.