Special Forces Probed After Children's Deaths in Afghanistan

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Source: The Australian

THE investigation into a tragically botched raid on a homestead in Afghanistan that killed five children has focused on the Australian special forces soldiers who carried out the raid, and on the officers who planned and authorised the operation.

The director of military prosecutions, Brigadier Lyn McDade, is now considering whether the soldiers involved will be court-martialled. The men could be charged with murder, manslaughter or negligence and, if convicted, could face jail terms in a military prison.

The soldiers involved were members of 1 Commando Regiment, which includes many reservists - some of whom are policemen from NSW and Victoria. It is not known whether any of these police personnel were involved in the raid.

The attack took place early last year while the soldiers were searching for a Taliban leader, believed to be Mullah Noorullah.

The troops used gunfire and hand grenades in the attack at about 2am on February 12, but it quickly became clear they had attacked the wrong house. Two military investigations followed.

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The ambassador said then that while Australian troops were doing their best in a difficult and dangerous place, 1000 civilians were killed by coalition forces in the preceding year.

An Australian Defence Force spokesman said yesterday the question of possible prosecutions was still being considered by the director of military prosecutions.

more: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/special-forces-probed-after-childrens-deaths-in-afghanistan/story-e6frg6nf-1225838454551

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