Guardian: (UK) Troops under investigation for Kandahar shooting spree

Troops under investigation for Kandahar shooting spree


Fury in Afghan city after targeted British convoy kills civilians

Declan Walsh in Kandahar
Saturday December 9, 2006
The Guardian

British military authorities are investigating allegations that Royal Marines shot
indiscriminately on Afghan bystanders following a suicide bombing last weekend.

At least two people died and five were wounded by shots fired from a supply
convoy that raced through Kandahar after coming under attack. The incident has
sparked widespread public anger in the southern city, where recent suicide bombs
have frayed nerves and shortened tempers among Nato forces.

Squadron Leader Jason Chalk, a spokesman for Nato regional command in Kandahar,
described the reports as "disconcerting" and promised a thorough investigation
by Royal Military police. "If people are found to have acted outside the rules
of engagement, they will be held to account for their actions," he said.

But Lieutenant Colonel Andy Price, spokesman for the UK taskforce in Helmand,
said the troops acted within their rules of engagement. "I can categorically state
that we did not indiscriminately open fire," he said.

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