A new report from Afghanistan’s Independent Human Rights Commission says that a U.S. Marine unit used excessive force when escaping a suicide attempt last month. Twelve Afghani civilians were killed and 35 were injured by the Marines, who apparently did not distinguish between civilians and insurgents when responding to an attempt on their own lives. From the Times:
Following the March 4 attack in Nangahar province, when an explosives-rigged minivan crashed into a convoy of Marines, the unit shot at vehicles and pedestrians in six different locations while driving along a 10-mile stretch of road, according to a report by Afghanistan’s Independent Human Rights Commission.
And this isn’t a toothless non-prof spouting off, either. This could result in actual prosecution.
A U.S. military commander also determined that Marines used excessive force, and he referred the case for possible criminal inquiry.
As if the United States needs any more bad press in the Arab world…
