A Battlefield Tourist

US Investigation Regarding Civilian Deaths Complete

Sep 2 at 8:08am by David Tate

The United States military, under a barrage of accusations regarding recent civilian casualties, says an investigation is finished regarding civilian deaths during a raid in western Afghanistan.  Locals Afghans claim the joint US/Afghan attack in Herat Province August 22 killed more than 90 civilians, most of them children.

According to a release from CJTF-101, the investigation found that 30-35 Taliban fighters were killed, including Mullah Sadiq, as were 5-7 civilians.  Two other civilians were injured and five fighters captured.

“The investigating officer took statements from more than 30 participants, both Afghan and U.S., in the operation. Additionally, the investigating officer reviewed reports made by ground and air personnel during the engagement; video taken during the engagement; topographic photo comparisons of the area before and after the event including analysis of burial sites; reports from local medical clinics and hospitals; intelligence reports; and physical data and photographs collected on the site.”

The investigation also reveals that a major attack on a nearby coalition base was thwarted. 

“In addition, investigators discovered firm evidence that the militants planned to attack a nearby Coalition forces’ base.  Other evidence collected included weapons, explosives, intelligence materials, and an access badge to a nearby base as well as photographs from inside and outside of the base.”

The release notes that neither US or Afghan officials were allowed access to the village the day following the attack and that no other evidence supposedly collected from outside sources was presented to investigators.  The evidence gathered will be included in the final investigation.

Edit - The investigation team includes members of the US military, the Afghan government and UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan).  However, the above report reflects only the US findings.  I apologize for any misinformation.

Updated 1715 EST 9/2/08