An example of self-policing conduct by the US
military, in keeping with the contention that
there is a higher standard enforced by US
occupation troops. Something to put alongside
Andreas' citation of clips showing mercs shooting
up a street. -EY
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002198573
Military Launches Iraq War Crimes Probe After Tip
from Reporter
Published: March 17, 2006 7:45 AM ET
WASHINGTON About a dozen Marines are being
investigated for possible war crimes in connection
with the deaths last year of 15 Iraqi civilians
who were initially reported killed by a roadside bomb.
The Navy has opened a criminal investigation into
the November 2005 bombing and subsequent firefight
between Marines and insurgents that led to the
deaths of the Iraqi citizens, defense officials
said Thursday.
According to an official, the initial allegations
of possible violations were brought to the
attention of the military by a reporter in
mid-February.
The inquiry will attempt to determine whether the
Marines acted appropriately when they fired back
at insurgents following a roadside bomb attack in
Haditha, 140 miles northwest of Baghdad, said a
military official who requested anonymity because
the investigation has not been announced yet. The
civilians were hit during that battle.
Military officials in Iraq completed a preliminary
investigation and have forwarded it to the Navy
Criminal Investigative Service there. Several
defense officials acknowledged the investigation
was taking place, though the details were provided
by one official.
Fifteen Iraqis, eight insurgents and a Marine were
killed during the Nov. 19 firefight, which began
when a roadside bomb detonated next to a joint
Iraqi-U.S. squad patrolling Haditha. Immediately
after the explosion, insurgents attacked the
patrol with small arms.
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