Team completes assessment of Jowzjan incident

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.28.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL - A joint incident assessment team recently found no evidence to conclude coalition force helicopters were responsible for the deaths of three Afghan National Police members, Aug.
21.

In initial reporting, it was believed the deaths were caused by an International Security Assistance Force coalition air weapons team, but closer examination indicates there is no evidence to support the air weapons team caused the ANP casualties, according the team's report.

The team traveled to Mazar-e-Sharif to examine the facts of the case where three ANP officers were killed and nine others wounded in Jowzjan province, allegedly by coalition helicopters.

During their visit, the team interviewed people involved in the incident and reviewed tapes from the helicopters. The team was made up of Government of the Republic of Afghanistan appointed representatives from the Ministries of Interior and Defense, as well as a general officer and staff representatives from the ISAF Joint Command.

In their report, the team determined the one Hellfire missile and 80 rounds of 30mm fire impacted a positively-identified insurgent firing position. The review of gun-tape footage clearly indicates the fire provided by the air weapons team impacted a hilltop where enemy activity was present.

Prior to the operation beginning, an order was issued to the ANA commander to have all personnel remain inside the compound. An ANA chief later acknowledged he understood all personnel were to remain in the compound. It was the conclusion of the team that no coalition fire impacted inside the compound where the ANA forces were located.

Also in the report, the team noted the engagement with enemy forces began several hours before the helicopters arrived on the location and lasted several hours after, making it possible casualties resulted from other small arms or indirect fire before or after the air weapons team was in the area.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2010
• Date Posted: 08.28.2010 09:41
• Story ID: 55308
• Location: KABUL, AF