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The
War Profiteers - War Crimes, Kidnappings, Torture and Big Money |
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The Killing of an Iraqi Civilian -
Location: not specified |
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Background - October 5th,
2005 October 5th, 2005 - Report of
Proceedings by Investigating Officer/Board of Officers Report by the U.S.
Department of the Army (3,6 MB) “[…] C. The incident occurred at approximately
051000LOCT05 (see enclosure A, BCT Blue-2 Report). A navy blue Peugeot
bypassed an Iraqi checkpoint with a lime of vehicles approximately four deep.
The civilian vehicle had to drive onto the sidewalk in order to pass the
stationary vehicles. It continued at a high rate of speed towards the US forces,
some of whom were dismounted at the time. (See. Story Book Presentation for
distances at each event). “The civilian vehicle traveled from North to South
which placed him on a direct collision come with A23, a U.S. M1114. SGT
[redacted] was the gunner of the vehicle in the path of the oncoming vehicle.
His TC and driver, PFC [redacted] were dismounted. The TC was working on
downloading barriers while the driver was pulling security facing North. The
vehicles, which the Peugeot passed, were turning left as directed by the IA
checkpoint. SGT [redacted] and PFC [redacted] had a clear line of sight as
the vehicle approached at a high rate (est. speed to have been 30 to 35 MPH).
SGT [redacted] and PEC [redacted] used both hand and arm signals as well as paddles
in an attempt to get the Peugeot to stop. The vehicle failed to adhere to
their hand and arm signals, so both PFC [redacted] and SGT [redacted]
independentlv fired warning shots in the air. The driver ignored the warning
shots. “SGT [redacted] and PFC [redacted] fired into the
engine block; again this did not deter the oncoming vehicle. SGT [redacted]
made the decision then to use deadly force. The vehicle finally came to a
stop five to ten meters from SGT [redacted] vehicle. Between SGT [redacted] and
PFC [redacted] they fired a total of fifteen rounds into the vehicle. (See
Story Book Presentation). “D. Immediately after the vehicle came to a stop
Iraqi Police (IP) and IA elements moved in on the scene. The IPS pulled the
driver, a male, out of the vehicle at the same time that 1LT [redacted]
received a report of the engagement from SSG [redacted] 1LT [redacted]
directed his medic, SPC [redacted] to move forward to see if he could provide
any assistance. The IPS said they wanted to take the driver to the [redacted]
Hospital. SPC [redacted] was able to conduct a cursorry observation of the
body. He determined that the driver was more than likely deceased given his
lack of breathing and severe wounds to the head. “E. The IA became irate and started to become
aggressive towards 1LT [redacted] and his men. The engagement occured within
200 meters of the Peugeot driver’s home. His family was also moving onto the
scene. Considering the 1A’s increasingly aggressive demeanor and the
distraught family members who were quickly approaching his position, 1LT
[redacted] decided to leave. When he arrived at this decision, he had already
completed his barrier emplacement mission. However, this decision meant that
he left without taking pictures or inspecting the vehicle. “3. Findings. I find that the engagement and killing
of the local national was in accordance with the current Theater Rules of
Engagement (ROE), as stated in Appendix 1 (consolidated roe) to Annex E
(Rules of Engagement) to [redacted] to [redacted]. SGT [redacted] and PFC
[redacted] identified a hostile act and responded with an escalation of force
to eliminate the threat. The driver of the vehicle, for undetermined reasons,
chose to ignore all warnings given. […]” |
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