US troops face further Iraq abuse allegations
A company of the California Army National Guard has been placed on restricted duty amid allegations that members of the unit mistreated detainees in Iraq, US military officials said.
Investigations are under way into the allegations of mistreatment by soldiers with the 1st Battalion of the 184th Infantry Regiment, said Col David Baldwin, a California National Guard spokesman.
Other members of the battalion’s Alpha Company are under investigation in connection with allegations of extorting money from Iraqi shopkeepers, according to a military official yesterday.
The company, comprising about 130 soldiers, is stationed at Forward Operating Base Falcon outside Baghdad and has been put on restricted duty while the US army reviews its performance.
Lt Col Patrick Frey, the battalion’s commander, has been suspended.
Baldwin and other officials declined to discuss the allegations in detail or identify those involved.
The Los Angeles Times, citing several sources, reported yesterday that the investigation appeared to deal with allegations that an electric stun gun was used to abuse or torture Iraqi detainees after an insurgent attack in June.
One soldier told the newspaper that the use of a stun gun on a man who had been handcuffed and blindfolded was videotaped.
As many as 17 soldiers are under investigation, the LA Times reported.
In addition, at least six soldiers in the battalion are alleged to have extorted money from Iraqi business owners, apparently in exchange for protection from insurgents. It was not clear if anyone has been charged in connection with the extortion allegations.
The military revealed earlier this month that 11 soldiers had been charged with dereliction of duty in connection with the alleged mistreatment of detainees in Iraq but did not identify their unit.
Some of the soldiers also were charged with mistreatment of a person under their control, assault and making a false statement. One soldier was charged with obstruction of justice.
All those charged remain in Baghdad, according to Lt Col Steve Boylan, a Task Force Baghdad spokesman.
The US army’s Criminal Investigation Division will determine whether the soldiers will face court martial.
