U.S. Accepts Responsibility for Khost Civilian Casualties

[kpete]

Source: Washington Independent

U.S. Accepts Responsibility for Khost Civilian Casualties
By Spencer Ackerman 4/9/09 10:23 AM

In fairness, this was a rapidly issued apology (near-apology?) by U.S. Forces-Afghanistan. Here’s the statement in full, which I received 20 minutes ago:


KABUL, Afghanistan - Further inquiries into the Coalition and ANSF operation in Khost earlier today suggest that the people killed and wounded were not enemy combatants as previously reported.

During the operation to capture militants linked to insurgent activities in the area, a local family near the targeted enemy’s location fired upon the combined forces. The combined forces returned fire, killing two males, two females and wounding two females. There are reports of an infant also killed.

Coalition and Afghan forces do not believe that this family was involved with militant activities and that they were defending their home against an unknown threat.

The joint investigation will continue.

Read more: http://washingtonindependent.com/38058/us-accepts-responsibility-for-khost-civilian-casualties#more-38058

[gratuitous]

1. Okay, our bad

Everybody happy? Okay, let's move on. All over with now.

In the post, Ackerman seems confused whether the military's policy is to apologize first or investigate first. I think I can clear it up for him: The policy is to shoot first.

[ConcernedCanuk]

2. Ya Know, if the USA just brought their forces home, they wouldn't have these FUBAR incidents

.
.
.

Families wold grow up together instead of apart,

Soldiers would be walking around with all of their parts,

not suffering from extended tours in illegal and useless wars . .

Gee -what is the downside?

USA ain't gonna get that oil over there unless they just buy it like anyone else!

GET HOME USA - Ya got enuf problems at home to keep all them soldier boys and gals busy on your own soil

Get at 'er!

sheesh!

[gregoryjulian]

3. Coalition Forces offer condolences following non-combatant deaths in Khost

Source: US Forces - Afghanistan

Here's the real full statement:

Coalition Forces offer condolences following non-combatant deaths in Khost

KABUL, Afghanistan – Further inquiries into the Coalition and ANSF operation in Khost earlier today suggest that the people killed and wounded were not enemy combatants as previously reported.

During the operation to capture militants linked to insurgent activities in the area, a local family near the targeted enemy’s location fired upon the combined forces. The combined forces returned fire, killing two males, two females and wounding two females. There are reports of an infant also killed.

Coalition and Afghan forces do not believe that this family was involved with militant activities and that they were defending their home against an unknown threat.

The joint investigation will continue.

Coalition forces are working closely with local Afghan officials and family members to express condolences and provide assistance in the aftermath of this tragic event.

“We deeply regret the tragic loss of life in this precious family. Words alone cannot begin to express our regret and sympathy and we will ensure the surviving family members are properly cared for,” said Brig. Gen. Michael A. Ryan, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.

[bread_and_roses]

4. When does this stop? No wonder they hate us. I hate us for tolerating this.

How many "botched raids" does it take? How many more civilians killed by those oh so precise missiles, drones, whatever we are using?

Two men. Two women. A week-old infant. And we're "sorry." Not damn sorry enough. Not enough to even keep this on the front page for a day. Not enough to stop it.

When is enough enough, President Obama?