No, Really, this is one you must watch
Yes in the “fog” as it is called judgment gets clouded, and truths get stretched. If anyone ever wonders why “religious fanatics” become “terrorists” or why some of our people are returning to the USA with mental issues they need to see this. Remember you are only seeing it in flash format much of the detail is removed.
“No innocent civilians were killed on our part deliberately. We took great pains to prevent that. I know that two children were hurt, and we did everything we could to help them. I don’t know how the children were hurt.” – Major Brent Cummings, executive officer 2-16, US Army (Washington Post)
“It’s their fault for bringing their kids into a battle” (Gunner)
A battle?
“they had arrived, got out of the car and started taking pictures, and people gathered.” Mr. Sahib said. “It looked like the American helicopters were firing against any gathering in the area, because when I got out of my car and started taking pictures, people gathered and an American helicopter fired a few rounds, but the hit houses nearby and we ran for cover” – AFP war photographer; Ahmad Sahib (New York Times)
The U.S. military claimed the victims died in a battle that took place between U.S. forces and insurgents.
“There is no question that coalition forces were clearly engaged in combat operations against a hostile force.” – Lieutenant – Colonel Scott Bleichwehl, spokesman for U.S. forces in Baghdad. (New York Times)
Reuters demanded an investigation into the killings. (Otherwise this is just another afternoon in the gunship.)
U.S. military authorities concluded that the actions of the soldiers and pilots involved were in accordance with the law of armed conflict and their rules of engagement.
I guess I do not understand the rules
“All ya gotta do is pick up a weapon” (gunner)
(That would have been his camera!)
Apparently shooting running unarmed civilians in the back can be done regardless of possession of weapons.
Possibly picking up bodies and weapons is also a reason to engage.
What would they have done if there was a RED CROSS painted on the roof of the minivan?