Marines investigate shooting of wounded Iraqi prisoner
The US military today said an investigation was underway into an allegation that a Marine shot a wounded and apparently unarmed Iraqi prisoner in a mosque in the former insurgent stronghold of Fallujah.
The First Marine Division is investigating an allegation of the unlawful use of force in the death of an enemy combatant in Fallujah during combat operations on Saturday, according to a military statement.
The Marine has been withdrawn from the battlefield pending the results of the investigation, the US military said.
“We follow the law of armed conflict and hold ourselves to a high standard of accountability,” said Lt. Gen. John Sattler, commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. “The facts of this case will be thoroughly pursued to make an informed decision and to protect the rights of all persons involved.”
This investigation, which began as soon as allegations were brought forward, will determine whether the Marine acted in self-defence, violated military law or failed to comply with the law of armed conflict.
Saturday’s shooting was videotaped by pool correspondent Kevin Sites of NBC television, who said three other previously-wounded prisoners in the mosque apparently also had been shot again by the Marines inside the mosque.
The incident happened as the Marines 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, returned to the unidentified Fallujah mosque Saturday.
