Initial Report on Haditha Killings Complete

Initial Report on Haditha Killings Complete
Jun 16th - 12:42pm
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By LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Army general investigating whether military personnel tried to cover up any part of the alleged massacre of up to two dozen Iraqi civilians in Haditha late last year has completed his report.

Army Maj. Gen. Eldon A. Bargewell has sent his report to Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, the second-ranking commander in Iraq, and U.S. military officials there were expected to announce that Friday, according to a senior defense official. No information about his findings was provided.

The official, who requested anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made, said there is no timetable for how long Chiarelli will review the report.

The Haditha case centers on allegations that a small number of Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment murdered 24 Iraqi civilians _ included unarmed women and children _ on Nov. 19 after a roadside bomb in the town killed one of their fellow Marines.

Bargewell has just one piece of the investigation _ whether the Marines followed proper procedures in reporting about the incident to commanders, or whether anyone engaged in a cover-up. His investigation also may consider whether any criminal charges should be brought in connection with deliberate attempts to lie about the incident.

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