US command launches probe of Afghan civilian deaths
A May 20 US Forces-Afghanistan press release states that military officials have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that a "small number of US soldiers were responsible for the unlawful deaths of as many as three Afghan civilians." The investigations also include allegations of illegal drug use, assault and conspiracy. No charges have been brought yet, but one soldier has been placed in pre-trial confinement.
The Army's Criminal Investigation Command initiated the investigation after receiving credible information from the soldiers' unit earlier this month. Command officials said in a released statement that they are "committed to the security and safety of the Afghan population, and will ensure any crimes are investigated fully and those responsible will be held accountable."
The press release included no further details on the incident, or where it took place.
See our last post on Afghanistan and civilian casualties.
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More details in Afghan civilian slayings
From AFP, May 26: