CENTCOM Investigation Team Releases Interim Results on Farah

KABUL, Afghanistan – An ongoing U.S. Central Command investigation team briefed interim findings after reviewing information on recent events in Farah province associated with alleged civilian casualties.

Investigators reviewed weapon sight video from the aircraft supporting the coalition rescue of Afghan national security forces in Bala Baluk on May 4 which clearly depicts insurgents entering the buildings which were then targeted in the final strikes of the fight. Combined with audio recordings of the ground commander and air crew conversations the investigators were able to confirm that the insurgents fleeing from the firefight were regrouping in several small rural buildings which were then subsequently destroyed. A review of the physical evidence is inconclusive in determining the exact number of civilian and insurgent casualties. In all, the investigation team estimates that 60-65 Taliban extremists were killed in these engagements, while at least 20-30 civilians may have been killed during the fighting. The investigators continue to attempt to better confirm casualty numbers.

A large number of Taliban fighters, to include non-Afghans, consolidated on Ganj Abad and Grani villages May 3, and demanded payments from villagers. Afghan and coalition troops reported observing at least 300 villagers evacuating the area prior to the fighting. Reports from Afghan officials indicated that the Taliban had executed three former government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials. In a joint operation the Afghan national police supported by the Afghan national army went to the village to drive out the Taliban. As the ANP approached the village of Garani they were ambushed by 200-300 Taliban. During the initial ambush two ANP were killed. A total of five ANP officers were killed during the battle. Outmanned and outgunned the Provincial Governor request the coalition Quick Reaction Force.

Once the coalition force arrived, they along with an ANA unit attempted to help the ANP. At this point, the Taliban launched another attack, firing on the ANA and coalition forces. One U.S. Navy Corpsman was shot in the shoulder while attempting to rescue a wounded Afghan soldier and an ANA soldier was shot in the chest as he attempted to charge a Taliban position. In order to rescue the fallen ANA 1st Sergeant who was trapped by heavy Taliban machine gun and RPG fire, the coalition force used close air support by F-18s to suppress the enemy fire from buildings nearby. The coalition Forces and ANA then rushed forward, placed the fallen ANA 1st Sgt. on a stretcher and carried him to safety. The 1st Sgt. was later transported from the battle by medical evacuation helicopter, and due to the bravery of the ANA and coalition soldiers he is expected to make a full recovery. Following this, one B-1 provided fires in coordination with the ground commander on buildings and a tree grove insurgents were firing from or massing in. ANSF and US Forces remained in the area until the next morning and observed the villagers returning after the fighting had ceased.

"We regret the loss of any civilian life," said Col. Greg Julian, "and express our condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this fighting with insurgents firing from and regrouping in villagers' homes. We continue to work closely with the Afghan national security forces to bring security and progress to Afghanistan, and to do everything we can to avoid civilian casualties. We strongly condemn the Taliban for their brutality in deliberately targeting and using civilians as human shields."

Source: US Department of Defense