Friday, May 04, 2007

"The top American commander in Afghanistan said Thursday he was investigating claims that dozens of civilians were killed and wounded recently by American airstrikes in the Western province of Herat. The commander, Gen. Dan K. McNeill, told reporters that he was still reviewing the incident, which he said began when a joint American and Afghan patrol was ambushed near the town of Shindand and called for air support. He said that so far it appeared that “only firing insurgents were targeted” in the airstrikes and the fighting in the area." I will save you money and time by quoting from the future final report of the official investigation: after a careful and thorough review, the investigating team found that the use of force was fully justified, and the US soldiers did not deviate from the established rules of engagement. Go to sleep now.