BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (September 2, 2008) — A Coalition forces’ investigation into allegations of civilian deaths resulting from an Afghan National Army and U.S. Coalition forces incident in western Afghanistan on the morning of Aug. 22 is complete. 

The investigation found that ANA and U.S. forces began taking fire from Taliban militants as the combined force approached their objective during a planned offensive operation, in the early hours of darkness on August 22nd in Azizabad, Herat province.

The intensity of the enemy fire justified use of well-aimed small-arms fire and close-air support to defend the combined force.  The type and application of fires were used in accordance with existing rules of engagement.

The investigation found that 30-35 Taliban militants were killed including evidence suggesting a known Taliban commander, Mullah Sadiq, was among them.  In addition, five to seven civilians were killed, two civilians were injured and subsequently treated by Coalition forces, and five Taliban were detained.

The range in the casualty numbers were determined by observation of the enemy movements during the engagement as well as on-site observations immediately following the engagement. 

In addition, investigators discovered firm evidence that the militants planned to attack a nearby Coalition forces’ base.  Other evidence collected included weapons, explosives, intelligence materials, and an access badge to a nearby base as well as photographs from inside and outside of the base.

The engagement disrupted any planned attack.

The investigating officer took statements from more than 30 participants, both Afghan and U.S., in the operation. Additionally, the investigating officer reviewed reports made by ground and air personnel during the engagement; video taken during the engagement; topographic photo comparisons of the area before and after the event including analysis of burial sites; reports from local medical clinics and hospitals; intelligence reports; and physical data and photographs collected on the site.

Local government officials, Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces were denied entry into the village the day following the event.
No other evidence that may have been collected by other organizations was provided to the U.S. Investigating Officer and therefore could not be considered in the findings.

The results of the investigation were provided to Gen. David McKiernan, International Security Assistance Forces commander, as the senior military commander in Afghanistan for his use as part of a joint inquiry into this incident.

The investigating officer conducted the investigation using methods prescribed by U.S. Army Regulation 15-6, Procedures for Investigating Officers and Boards of Officers.