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The
War Profiteers - War Crimes, Kidnappings, Torture and Big Money |
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The Thar Thar Killings (II) |
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Background -
October 11th, 2007 “[…] The American military said on Friday that it
was vigorously investigating a Thursday evening airstrike on a stronghold of
insurgent leaders northwest of Baghdad that also killed nine children and six
women. The civilian toll is one of the highest to result from a single
American military action since the beginning of the Iraq war. Rear Adm. Greg
Smith, an American military spokesman here, said the killings were
‘absolutely regrettable,’ but blamed the enemy fighters for engaging American
forces while using civilians as a shield. ‘We do not target civilians,’ the admiral
said in an interview on Friday. ‘But when our forces are fired upon, as they
are routinely, then they have no option but to return fire.’ […]” Excerpt of a New York Times article
from October 13th, 2007. |
Destroyed house after U.S. attack |
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Video: Al-Jazeera Documentary on the
Thar Thar Killings (II) |
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October 14th, 2007 - UN Urges ‘Vigorous’ US Raid
Probe 1 news article by
Al-Jazeera October 13th, 2007 - U.S. Investigates Civilian
Toll in Airstrike 1 news article by
the New York Times October 12th, 2007 - Iraq Sends Mixed Messages on
U.S. Raid 1 news article by
the Associated Press |
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October 12th, 2007 - Coalition Air Strike in
Iraq Claims Lives of Terrorists, Civilians Press
Release by the American Forces Press Service “[…] A coalition air strike yesterday that killed
terrorists also claimed the lives of a large number of innocent victims,
military officials said. During an operation to pursue senior al Qaeda
leaders in the Lake Thar Thar region, troops encountered small-arms fire from
the target building. Responding in self-defense, coalition aircraft engaged
the enemies inside the building. “After the air strike, ground forces discovered that
15 terrorists, six women and nine children had been killed. Troops determined
that two suspects, one woman and three children also were wounded. Ground forces
also detained one suspected terrorist after the strike. Coalition force
medical experts administered treatment to those injured, who were later taken
to a nearby military facility for further aid. A Multinational Force Iraq statement issued today said
coalition forces are investigating the incident, which is a standard practice
with all incidents involving civilian injuries or deaths. ‘We are working
closely with local Iraqi officials and tribal leaders to ascertain and
provide a full accounting of events. We are further committed to ensuring the
needs of those affected are thoroughly respected and provided for,’ the
statement said. Army Maj. Brad Leighton, a Multinational Force Iraq
spokesman, lamented the civilian victims. ‘We regret that civilians are hurt
or killed while coalition forces search to rid Iraq of terrorism,’ he said.
‘These terrorists chose to deliberately place innocent Iraqi women and
children in danger by their actions and presence.’ […]” |
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Background 1)
Bullet-riddled house after U.S. attack - October 13th, 2007 -
Reuters; |
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Back to
the Second Gulf War/Iraq Invasion II Back to U.S.
Department of Defense |
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