U.S. Probe Says Afghan Hospital Attack Was 'Tragic Accident'

The U.S. investigation into a deadly attack on a hospital run by the French charity Doctors Without Borders in Afghanistan has concluded that it was an "avoidable accident" caused primarily by "human error."

U.S. Army General John Campbell, the commander of international and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, told a news conference in Kabul on November 25 that the October 3 attack, which killed at least 31 people in the northern city of Kunduz, was unintentional.

"U.S. forces would never intentionally strike a hospital or other protected facilities," Campbell said.

Campbell revealed that "multiple errors occurred that ultimately resulted in a misidentification of --and the strike on -- the MSF trauma center."

Doctors Without Borders -- known in French as Médecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) -- said the report demonstrates "gross negligence" by the U.S. military.

"The frightening catalogue of errors outlined today illustrates gross negligence on the part of U.S. forces and violations of the rules of war," said MSF general director Christopher Stokes in a statement on November 25.

Stokes said the incident constituted "violations of the rules of war" and reiterated calls for an "independent and impartial investigation into the attack."

MSF has publicly cast doubt on the idea that the strike could have been a mistake.

Detailing its own investigation, the charity said the hospital's location had been clearly communicated to both Afghan forces and the Taliban.

The U.S. report said the attack killed at least 31 civilians and injured 28 others. Investigators determined that additional civilians were probably killed or injured.

Campbell, who unveiled the results of the U.S. investigation, added that individuals closest to the incident have been suspended from their duties...
 rferl.org
25/11/15
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