US military rules of engagement on trial in Iraqi killing case

[Barrett808]

US military rules of engagement on trial in Iraqi killing case
by Jim Mannion

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US military's rules of engagement in Iraq go on trial next week with the start of an inquiry into the killing of three Iraqi men who were shot after being captured by US soldiers.

A series of recent killings of civilians allegedly by US soldiers have rocked US relations in Iraq, but this case stands out because the soldiers involved claim they were operating under orders to "kill all military age males."

Military spokesmen have declined to respond to the charge. An army spokesman said, "It's all under investigation and we'll let the judicial process deal with it."

Four soldiers have been charged with premeditated murder of the three Iraqis. They were taken prisoner in a raid on an island in the province of Sallaheddin that defense lawyers said was an Al-Qaeda training camp.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060729/pl_afp/usiraqmilitaryrules

[uppityperson]

1. k&r for victims everywhere