press releases
U.S. Investigates Allegation of Misconduct by Troops in Afghanistan
Athens (October 20, 2005) -- There are reports that U.S. troops have behaved in an inappropriate manner in Afghanistan, burning the corpses of dead enemy fighters. We want to stress that it is the firm policy of the United States to treat all human remains on the battlefield with the utmost respect, consistent with the Geneva Conventions. The U.S. government condemns actions of anyone who abuses human remains – even of those who were engaged in violent acts against the United States.
The U.S. Army has initiated an investigation into alleged misconduct by U.S. service members, including the burning of dead enemy combatant bodies. These are very serious allegations and, if true, they are very troubling. They will be investigated fully and those responsible will be held accountable. The U.S. government has been in contact with the government of Afghanistan and we are coordinating with them in responding to this reported incident.
America uses its military force to combat terrorists, but also to liberate and help people in need – in Kuwait, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Today, American service personnel are bringing aid to devastated populations in Pakistan. We should not let the alleged criminal acts of a few – if they are true – obscure this larger truth.