Posted on 09/06/2009 3:50:13 PM PDT by myknowledge
A German commander who ordered an air strike on fuel tankers that killed dozens of Afghans used intelligence from a single observer in a possible breach of tactical rules.
An American warplane dropped 500lb bombs on the tankers after they were hijacked by Taliban militants and then became stuck in a river.
Reports suggested dozens of civilians could have been burned alive alongside the militants as villagers crowded round the lorries to collect fuel before the bombs struck in northern Kunduz province.
The Washington Post reported grainy live video footage seen by the officer from the F15 jet had not been distinct enough to identify the figures seen around the tanker, and would not have shown them carrying weapons.
An Afghan informant had also insisted only fighters were present.
The newspaper reported airstrikes cannot be ordered based on a single source of information, according to guidelines designed to reduce civilian casualties.
The governor of Kunduz revised an earlier death toll, saying 54 people were killed, including only six civilians. Officials had earlier said 90 died and up to half were civilians.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
LLS
I was thinking the same thing. If there were that many terrorists there, the small number of civilians must have been supporters at the very least or they would not have been allowed to be there.
War is hell. That is why it’s not good to start one.
Let’s see. Terrorists hijacked the fuel trucks, and “villagers” were helping them get the fuel out after they got stuck in a river.
Lie down with dogs and get up with fleas. In this case, these villagers weren’t even civilian hostages, but civilians actively helping the terrorists. Or perhaps just junior terrorists, since none of them wear uniforms in any case.
Too bad. If you get mixed up in a terrorist robbery you are liable to get hurt. But no doubt Obama will slam someone for this. Too good an opportunity for this Muslim-lover to miss. Maybe he can insult the Germans, too.
Perhaps there is a lesson here for those who would crowd around a hijacked tanker, probably in hopes of getting some free fuel. Experience is tough teacher, she gives the test first and then the lesson. The lesson here is STAY CLEAR of anything has to do with Taliban militants, especially things that would make good targets.
I’m sorry for any civilian casualties associated with this attack, but that’s the fortunes of war. Particularly those conflicts in which the enemy tactics include the use of civilians as a shield. One of the secrets to winning a war to do whatever it takes to wipe out the enemy, and the sooner it’s done the less the carnage on both sides.
War is hell and it’s far better for those on the other side to feel the pains of the hell.
I love the smell of aviation gas burning in the morning. Some body hurry and bring me a “can of who gives a rats ass”! Whats the concern for a bunch of people stealing our property?
Reagan wouldn’t have cared about anyone collaborating with terrorists like the Taliban, would he, because he was willing to shed Muzzie blood.
Does anyone imagine the Taliban who hijacked these tankers
just allowing anyone to come and fill up a five gallon can?
Don’t think so.
Just think if the P-47’s had had to call back to England
before attacking tankers in France or Germany.
And they might well have arranged the strike then invited the locals to bring their gas cans and get some booty. Don't forget, this is an enemy that has no qualms whatsoever about sacrificing innocents and non-combatants. They will not hesitate to trick us into a strike they will result in civilian casualties then reap a propaganda bonanza at their friends in the MSM delight in showing the burned and dismembered bodies, especially those of children.
We are in a fight for our very existence. If we don't WHATEVER it takes to win it won't matter who was civilized and who was not.
The Taliban knew the fuel in those tankers was of little use to them in their vehicles. It would be a natural progression of thought for them to put that fuel to the next best use, to lure innocents into the area to be killed and injured when the air strike they knew was coming materialized. I would not doubt for minute they were the source of the intel that led to the strike.
EXACTLY! They were getting the gas for the blasted terrorists! Those guys wouldn’t leave it for the people.
DARN!! WE HAVE TERRORISTS LIVING IN THE WHITE HOUSE!!
If we fought WWII under current rules, the Germans would be in charge of Europe, Japan the Pacific (including Hawaii), and the USA would be on the metric system.
Should have continued bombing...This was no longer a friendly village about 2 milliseconds after the first one went off....
I wouldn’t go that far, but we are setting an impossible standard for ourselves. The enemy is no doubt laughing at us.
Don’t hang around with folks who have targets on their heads.
a] you can't bomb a gathering of the enemy inside a house unless you know for certain that all are enemy fighters and there are not any civilians present, and
b] you must turn over captured enemy fighters within 72 hours to the Afghan authorities - a rule which inhibits effective interrogation and sucks up valuable helicopter resources flying the enemy prisoners to Kabul.
We are fighting not to win - not The American Way!
Oh....I forgot Mirandaizing enemy prisoners? Yikes!
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