Documents
Gardez FOIA
Jun. 1 2016 — 5:55 a.m.
UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF
7115 sown BOUNDARY BOULEVARD
MACDILI. AIR FORCE BASE. FLORIDA 33621-5101
26 April 2016
Mr. Jeremy Scahill
First Look Media
1 14 5th Avenue
New York, NY
Dear Mr. Scahill:
This is in response to your Freedom of Information Act request seeking any and all
documents relating to a US. military operation conducted by members of the Joint Special
Operations Command and/or other US. Special Operations Forces near Gardez in Paktia
Province, Afghanistan on or around 12 February 2010 and all after action reports and other
documents pertaining to this operation and its aftermath.
US, Central Command (U SCENTCOM) conducted a thorough search and located 919 pages.
After reviewing the information, I am withholding 384 pages in their entirety and partially
releasing 535 pages to you. The withheld information is exempt from release pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 552(b)(1), applying Executive Order (13.0.) 13526, Classi?ed National Security
Information. sections 1.4(a) military plans, weapons systems, or operations; and, 1.4(c)
intelligence activities, sources or methods. Additionally, the withheld unclassi?ed information.
when compiled. would reveal classi?ed information as de?ned in E0. 13526, section 1.7(e)
compilations of unclassi?ed material that reveal a classified association or relationship. If the
unclassified information was disclosed. it would yield classi?ed information detailing military
operations. Additional information is withheld pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(3) as it relates to
10 U.S.C. 130b personnel in overseas, sensitive or routinely deployable units: inter?
agency and intra-agency memorandum; personal privacy interests: disclose
techniques, procedures, guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions which
could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law; and. expected to
endanger the life or physical safety of any individual.
Accordingly, in my capacity as the Initial Denial Authority, by withholding this information. I
am partially denying the information released under OIA. There are no fees for processing this
request since chargeable cost fell below $15. If you are not satisfied with this action. you may
appeal this response to the appellate authority, MS. .100 Chung, Director of Oversight and
Compliance, Office of the Secretary of Defense. The appellate address is ODCMO Directorate
for Oversight and Compliance, 4800 Mark Center Drive. ATTN: OIA Appeals,
Mailbox# 24. Alexandria. VA 22350-1700. As an alternative, you may use the Of?ce of the
Secretary of Defense FOIA request portal at to submit your
appeal electronically, or you can email your appeal to OSD.FOIAPoIicy@mail.mil, and state
Appeal" in the subject of the email. Your appeal must be postmarked or submitted
electronically within 60 calendar days from the date of this letter. cite case
#1 1?0272, and clearly mark ?Freedom of Information Act Appeal? in your correspondence.
If you haVe any questions, please contact my 01A Requester Service Center at (813) 529-
6285, and refer to case
#1 1-0272.
Sincerely.
?mw
Major General. US. Army
Enclosure:
TAB A: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation on
12
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS BY INVESTIGATING OFFICERIBOARD OF OFFICERS
For use of this form. see AR 15-5: the proponent agency is OTJAG.
iF MORE SPACE i8 iN OUTANY OF FORM, ATTACH SHEETS
- APPOINTMENT
Appointed by GEN STANLEY A.
(Appointing authority}
on 7 APR iL 0 (Attach inoiosure 1: Letter oi appointment or summary of orsi appointment data.) (See Dara 3-15. AR 15-6.)
(Date)
SECTION Ii - SESSIONS
The (investigation) (hoard) commenced at 335mm Air?eld: Afghanisum at 1300
(Piece) {Time}?
on 9 APRIL 10 (if a format board met for more than one session, check hero I: . indicate in an inotosure the time each session began and
ano'ao't the piacepreEons present and absent. and explanation of absences. if any.) The tollowino persons fmemhers, respondents. counsel) were
present {Alter each name, indicate capacity, so. President. Recorder. Member. Legaihdvisor.)
The following persons (members, respondents. counsoi} were absent (inctudo briefexptanation of each absence.) (See paras 5-2 and 5-8a, AR 15-6.)
The {investigating of?cer) (hoard) finished gatheringmearing evidence at 1030 0? 21 Apr? 20 1 0
{Time} (Date)
and completed ?ndings and recommendations at 2200 on 21 30 1 0
{Time} {Data}
SECTION Ill - CHECKLIST FOR PROCEEDINGS
A. COMPLETE IN i'tLL CASES YES Niel!
1 Inolosmes {para 3-15, AR 15-6)
Are the following inolosed and numbered consecutively with Roman nu morals: (Attached in order iistad)
a, The letter ot appointment or a summary or oral appointment data? 'd
Copy of notice to respondent, it any?{36?? item 9, betow} :1
c. Other correspondence with respondent or counsel. it any?
at All other written communications to or from the appointing authority?
e. Privacy Act Statements (Certi?cate, if statement provided orattyj?
Explanation by the investigating officer or hoard of antir unusual delays. dif?cmties. irregularities. or other problems g]
encountered fag, absence of material witnesses)?
Information as to sessions of a formal board not included on page 1 of this repon?i? lj
h. Any other signi?cant papers {other than evidence} relating to administrative aspects of the investigation or board? El
FOOTNOTES: 3 Explain ail negative anmrs an an attached sheet.
a Use of Lhe NJA column constitutes a positive representation that the circumstances described in the question did not occur in this investigation
or hear .
DA FORM W?-Mih?stigi?l?tm ct Gardaz District Paktya?wi?tihtial?pem imitates-303E. Pm m? 001 PE ?1-30
Exhibits (para 3-16. AR
:n
NOE
a. Are all items offered {whether or not received) or considered as evidence individually numbered or lettered as
exhibits and attached to this report?
b. Is an index of all exhibits o?ered to or considered by investigating officer or board attached before the first exhibit?
6. Has the testimonyistatement of each witness been recorded verbatim or been reduced to written form and attached as
an exhibit?
Are cpies. descriptions or depictions lfifsuirst?itut?edfizrri'eai or documentary evidence} properly authenticated and is
the location of the original evidence indicated?
a. Are descriptions or diagrams included or locations visited by the investigating of?cer or board {par-a 3-5b. AR 15-5)?
f. Is each written stipulation attached as an exhibit and is each oral stipulation either reduced to writing and made an
exhibit or recorded in a verbatim record?
g. If official notice of any matter was taken over the objection of a respondent or counsel. is a statement of the matter
of which of?cial notice was taken attached as an exhibit {para arse. AR 15-53?
EE EDEDBD
Was a quorum present when the board voted on ?ndings and recommendations {paras 4?1 and 5-2o, AR 15-5)?
. COMPLETE ONLY Eon FORMAL BOARD (chapror5.AR15-di
At the initial session. did the recorder read. or determine that all participants had read. the letter of appointment (para 54b, AR 155}?
was a quorum present at every sessron of the board (para 5-2b. AR 15-6}?
Was each absence of any member properly excused (para 5-23, AR 15?6)?
Were members. witnesses. reporter. and interpreter sworn. if required {para 3-1. AR 15-6)?
acumen?nose:
if any members who voted on ?ndings or recommendations were not present when the board received some evidence.
does the inciosure desoribe how they familiarized themselves with that evidence (pare 5-2d. AR
COMPLETE ONLY IF RESPONDENT was DESIGNATED (sec?gn ii, Chapters, AR 15.5)
Notice to respondents (para 5-5, AR ?id-5i:
a. is the method and date of delivery to the respondent indicated on each letter of notification?
it. Was the dale of delivery at least five wort-ting days prior to the first session of the board?
c. Does each letter of notification indicate
the date. hour, and place of the ?rst session of the board concerning that respondent?
(2) the matter to be investigated, including specific allegations against the respondent. if any?
7
(3) the respondent's rights with regard to counsel?
t4) the name and address of each witness expected to be called by the recorder?
i.
the respondent's rights to be present. present evidence. and call witnesses?
IHJL l.
Was the respondent provided a copy of all unclassified documents in the case ?le?
e. If there were relevant classified materials. were the respondent and his counsel given access and an opportunity to examine them?
:3
10
It
Citli
If any respondent was designated after the proceedings began (or otherwise was absent during part orihe proceedings):
3. Was he properly notified (para 5-5. AR 155}?
DC
it. Was record or proceedings and evidence received In his absence made available l'or examination by him and his counsel
:l
11
Connect {para 5-6. AR 15-6):
a. Was each respondent represented by counsel?
Name and business address of counsel.
(if counsei is a iawyer. check here
b. Was respondent?s counsel present at all open session: of the board relating to that respondent?
c. if military counsel was requested but not made available. is a copy (or. iforai, a summary} of the request and the
action taken on it included in the report {pare 5-5bi AR 15-5)?
12
it the respondent chatiengod the legal advisor or any voting member for tacit oi impartiality {para 5-1 AR 15-6):
a. Was the challenge properly denied and by the appropriate officer?
it. Did each member successfully challenged cease to participate in the proceedings?
13
Was the respondent given an opportunity to (para 5?3-3. AH 15-5):
. present with his counsel at all open sessions of the board which deal with any matter which concerns that respondent?
. Examine and object to the introduction of real and documentary evidence. including written statements?
Object to the testimony of witnesses and cross-examine witnesses other than his own?
i
Call witnesses and otherwise introduce evidence?
Testiiy as a witness?
Make or have his counsel make a final statement or argument {para 59. AR 15-5)?
14
If requested. did the recorder assist the respondent in obtaining evidence in possession of the Government and in
arranging tor the presence of witnesses {para 58b. AR i5?6i?
Ci
15
Are all of the respondent's requests and objections which were denied indicated in the report or proceedings or in an
inclosure or exhibit to it (para 5?11. AR 15-6}?
3 Expiein negative answers on an attached sheet.
a U33 of 1[?le MA coiumn constitutes a positive representation that the circumstances described in the question did not occur in this investigation
or no .
Page 2 of ii pages. DA Farm 1574. Mor1933
APD v1.30
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 002
SECTION IV - FINDINGS {pare
The {inves?garjng o??fcer) (board) . having carefulry considered the evidence. ?nds.
SEE ATTACHED MEMORANDUM
SECTION - RECOMHENDATIONS {para 3-H, AR 15?5)
In view of the above findings. the {investigating of?cer) (board) reeommends:
SEE ATTACHED MEMORANDUM
APB PE ?ee
Page 3 4 gaggez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 003
SECTION VI - AUTHENTICATION (para
THIs REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS Is COMPLETE AND ACCURATE, (itany voting member or the recorder teiis to sign here or in Section Vii
beiow, indicate the reason in the space where his signature shoutd appear. I
I {bust {tr-Its} 7
lriteoorderjl (investigating (President)
{Member} (Member)
(Member) (MW
SECTION VII - MINORITY REPORT {para 3-1.3, AR 15-6)
To the extent indicated in Inelosure the undersigned dates) not concur in the findings and recommendations of the board.
(in the inctosure, identity by number each ?nding and/or recommendation in which the dissenting memberfs) do(es) not concur. State the
reasons for disagreement. Additionei/substitute ?ndings end/or recommendations may be inciuded in the inciosure.)
(Member) (Member)
SECTION 1hi'Ill - ACTION BY APPOINTING {pare 2-3, At? t5?6}
The findi MS and recommendalians of the (investigating of?cer} (board) are (approved) (disapproved) (approved with toiiowing exceptions!?
substitutions). (if the appointing authority returns the proceedings to the investigating of?cer or board for further praceedings or
canective action, attach that correspondence (or a summary, if orat) as a numbeI'Ed inctosure.)
STANLEY A.
Page 4! cf 4 339539.319: District Paktya Province OperationV1.30
23 April 2010
EM ORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: AR 15-6 Investigation into Post Operation Activities on on 12
February 2010 in Gardez District, Paktya Province
1. (U) Purpose of Investigation: The purpose ofthis investigation is to determine, first,
whether the ground force deliberately misled their higher headquarters in initial reports
regarding the incident: and second, whether the ground force attempted to hide the
circumstances surrounding the casualties by altering, tampering with, andfor cleaning up the
incident scene.
2. (U) m. After weighing the potential bene?ts of visiting the scene of the incident, such as
being able to see the locations ofthe shooter, lavout ofthe courtyard/entrance to Room
1A/interior of Room 1A, speaking with witnesses who could describe what they saw in context,
etc, against the drawbacks, such as re-awakening emotional and political turmoil which had, at
the least, abated somewhat since the operation, I determined the amount of information that
could be useful to this information was not worth the cost. Therefore, I decided against a visit
to the scene of the incident, instead asking the family members to travel to the PRT in Paktva to
meet with us.
3. Participants:
a.
b' ibis) ibiBi
c.
d.
4. Facts:
lbll1J1-4H.lbll5l
2) (U) Thetarget compound belonged ml {in5:
ibiiBi I Saveral members ibii?)
{in6) xtended family lived in the compound, including Daoud. {Exhibit February 2010, Mohammad Daoud was having a party in his
compound to celebrate the birth of his grandson (Exhibit 1, Tab 11}
1
SEER-ET-
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 005
{bil1i1Ao
6) (U) Two individuals, Abdul Ghafar, Daoud?s son and the father ofthe son
whose birth was being celebrated, and the guitarist from the party, came to the gate within the
target compound and noticed individuals (the assault force) outside ofthe compound. [Exhibit
1, Tab 11 and Exhibit
7) Abdul Ghafar returned to the room where the party was being held in
Room 35 and said that there were individuals outside. (Exhibit 1, Tab 11 and Exhibit
8} (U) Mohammad Daoud told his guests to stay inside the room. exited
Building 35, went to Building 34, and came out into the courtyard with an (Exhibit 1, Tab
11 and Exhibit
lbil1i1-4a. ibii3i. (HUMP)
11) (U) Shortly after Daoud was shot, several people from the compound went
into the courtyard and took him into Room 1A. (Exhibit 1, Tab 11 and 12 and Exhibits 2h, 2w,
and 2x}
12) (U) After Daoud was removed from the courtyard, several individuals moved
around the courtyard and in and out of Room 1A, despite the continuation of the tactical
callout and members ofthe assault force yelling down for them to stop moving. (Exhibit 1, Tab
11 and Exhibits 2h, 2k, and 33}
13} (U) There was a blanket covering at least part ofthe doorway to Room 1A at
one point in the evening. [Exhibits 2e, 2k, 2y, 23a, and Bi}
2
SEER-ET-
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gerda-z District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 DOB
14] Daoud?s brother, Zahir, an attorney for the Ahmad Abad district, exited
the door to Room 1A with an AK-47 and crouched and aimed the weapon at two assault force
members on the roof approximately 25 meters away. (Exhibit 1, Tab 11 and Exhibits 2e, 2h, 2k,
and Bi)
{bil1l1-4a. lbll3i. (bll?llFl
19) (U) Zahir fell back into Room 1A after he was engaged. and the door was
quickly closed by someone in Ftoom 1A. {Exhibit 1, Tab 11 and Exhibit 2k)
b. (U) Clearing the Objective
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
lbll1i1.4a. lbil3l1 {bllEL
9) (U) It was dif?cult to collect evidence and assess the bodies because of the
number of people in the compound and in Room 1A. [Exhibit 1, Tab 11 and Exhibits 2m, 2n, 2p,
3k,
lbll1i1.4a. lbil?l
e. Investigations
lbll131-4a. lbll?li
2} The MP5 saw 36 Destigeer?s investigators collect brass casings from the
rooftop, dig into bullet holes in Room 1A and dig into an apparent bullet hole on the outside of
Room 8A. [Exhibits 2n and 25)
3) (U) 36 Destlgeer?s investigator (bits) and other family members
continued to prepare the bodies for burial. {Exhibits 2 arid 2t)
lbll1l1-4?. lbll3}. (bll?li lbll?llFl
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 008
8} (U) The ANP Chief for Paktva Province, BG Wardak, also arrived at the scene
at this time. (Exhibit 1, Tab 11 and Exhibit 2p}
9) No member of the US forces saw a local doctor examine the bodies of
the women. (Exhibits 2d, 2e, 2f, 2h, 2i, 2j, 2k, 2m, 2n, 2p, 2q, and Zr)
ibll1l14ai lbl13}.lbll51. lbll7llFl
f. (U) Information Operations
{bll1l1-4a. {bliSJi lbll?l.
2} While the assault force was still on the objective, ISAF issued a press
release stating that Coalition Forces had found the bodies of three dead women "bound and
gagged" on the objective. This press release was never coordinated prior to its
release. (Exhibit 1, Tab 15)
3] Shortly after us. forces left the compound, ISAF issued a second press
release stating that Coalition Forces had found the bodies of two dead women bound and
gagged and had found two men dead on the objective. {Exhibit 1, Tab 15)
3
AF: 15?6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 009
5) (U) In newspaper articles covering the operation, an anonymous NATO
official was quoted as saying that the killing resembled an ?honor killing.? (Exhibit 1, Tab 15]
5. (U) Findings:
Question A. (U) What are the facts and circumstances surrounding the post-operation
even ts an the objective by the ground force, to inciude reporting to higher headquarters?
lbll1l1-4?. lbll1l1.4c. (bll3lu lbll5l. lbll?i.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 D10
(MUN-43. ibii3i. ibii5i. ibiiE). {biiTHFi
Question B: (U) What actions did U5. servicemembers take when assessing the
scene? Did US. servicemembers seai off the objective area, and ifso, how iong? Who, if
anyone, from outside the ground force was wed inside the objective area during this period?
1) isil
10
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 D11
Question C. (U) Did anyone attempt to or succeed in removing bullets from the waits
in the home where the were kitted, ono' ifso, why?
311431. {bit3}.
Question D. Did anyone attempt to or succeed in removing buiiets from the bodies
of any of the five cosuoities and, i?fso, why? Did anyone attempt to or succeed in cieoning up or
uttering the bodies of any of the ?ve cosuoities, and if so, why?
2} The claim that assauit forces removed bullets from bodies comes from
family members ofthe individuals kilied. It is not clear what they saw that might have led them
to make this claim} but certainly the assault forces, the MP5, the LEPs, and the (one)
12
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 D12
examined the women?s bodies. The Afghan investigation reports that an American bullet was
found in the body of one of the dead women, but it does not say how that bullet was found or
who removed it from the woman. There is no evidence to support that bullets were removed
from the bodies by anyone associated with US. Forces.
3} (U) The pictures taken of the bodies immediately upon their discovery show
the bodies in the same condition that the pictures taken later in the morning
lbil?i do. The wounds look the same, the bodies are no cleaner than they were initially.
4) (U) When the assault force entered the room, the women?s bodies had
already been altered in that they were moved onto their backs and the majority of them were
prepared for burial with cloth wrappings around their head and toes. There is nothing to
suggest that the assault forces or other US. forces cleaned or altered the bodies of the five
casualties beyond the manipulation needed for investigation. The pictures taken bv the BHO
element show that the bodies had been manipulated after the pictures by the assault forces
were taken. Clothes were lifted, bodies were rolled over in order to ?nd the wounds and
determine the cause of death. However, there is no evidence that the bodies were altered or
cleaned in any way in order to conceal the cause oftheir death.
lbil1lia4a. lbll3ii lbil?ii {03mm
Question E. i U) Did anyone attempt to hide the cause of death of the casualties?
l} (U) All evidence shows that the assault forces were unaware that they might
have killed these women. They spent their time trying to determine the cause and timing of
these women?s death- Once these women were discovered, the focus ofthe assault force
became determining the cause oftheir death. The Ground Force Commander?s explanation of
the women?s death was not an attempt to hide the cause of death, but was his honest
assessment, resulting from an unfamiliar and confusing scene.
l3
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 013
Question F. (U) Did anyone aiter, ciean, or otherwise tamper with the scene in any way
foiiowing the operation, and if so, why?
ibii1i1.4a. ibii5i
Question G. (U) Did the ground farce foiiow the proper unit standard operating
procedures or poiicies for sensitive site expioitation or Bettie Damage Assessment? if not, how
did their actions vary from the
ibii1i1-4?. ibii5i. ibii5i
14
SEER-E
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Pektya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 D14
?331(5). {bits}
Question H. (U) Any other matters pertaining to this incident that you deem reievont
to the scope of this investigation.
15
SEER-FF
15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 D15
{bll1l14ai {bilSJi lbll?l.
2} (U) This investigation attempts to answer the questions asked by GEN
and to address the allegations made by the Afghan of?cials in their brief on the
investigation. 0f nete, the most serious ofthe allegations made in the brie?ng are not
found in their written investigation. The discrepancies include: 1] the brief included pictures
of Daoud that purported to show that Daoud was shot in the back and that his body was
washed, but the investigation itself excludes any mention ofthis fact or any pictures of Daoud?s
wounds; 2} the brief also included claims that Daoud did not have a weapon when he was
killed, but this fact was not in the investigation; 3] the brief included claims that the bodies,
walls, and floors were washed by the assault force before the Afghans arrived in an effort to
cover something up, but nothing in the Afghan investigation suppons this claim; 4} the brief
included claims that money had been stolen from the home, but the investigation did not make
this allegation, although the investigation did recommend returning all "robbed cash;" 5) the
brief also included the claim that sealing offthe compound allowed these people to die, but
nothing in the written investigation states this; and 6) in the MOI brief, LTG Yarmand stated
that the assault force should have known that ANP lived in the compound based on the AMP
vehicle in the yard, but this was not in the written investigation. Beyond the brief, further
claims of assault forces removing bullets from the bodies have been made in newspaper
accounts that are not found in the Afghan investigation either.
lbll1l1.4al. (bll?l
16
SEER-ET-
AFI 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 D15
SEER-ET-
{bjl?l
6. (U) Recommendations:
a. The primary recommendation resulting from this investigation is that no member of
the assault force receives disciplinary action beyond that recommended in the initial
investigation. This investigation found no attempt to hide or cover up the circumstances of the
local national women?s deaths.
[bjl?l
d. Additionally, it is clear that US. forces cannot always share operational information
1?
SEER-FF
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
with local ANP leaders out of fear of corruption or compromising the operation. In
circumstances where units have developed a level of trust with their ANP partners,
coordination before an operation may not only allow ANP participation, as directed by the
Night Ftaid Tactical Directive, but also may prevent situations like this ifthe ANP recognizes the
target house as belonging to a high ranking ANP of?cer.
{le5)
7. Points of Contact:
a.
b.
lbil3i. lbll?l
c.
d.
{bilSL lbll?l
Investigating OffiCEr
13
SEER-H
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 D18
HEADQUARTERS
WHEY) STATES FORCES - AF
KABUL.
APO AF. 09356
usroa-a?coa Aprii 2010
MEMORANDUM {bll3l. lbll?l Ito USFOR-A, Kabul, Afghanistan
SUBJECT: Appointment Order lnves?gating Officer Pursuant to Army Regulation (AR)
15-6, Proceduresfor Investigation O?cers and Boards of?cers, 2 October 2006
. REFERENCES:
AR (Procedures for Investigating O??icers and Boards ofO?cers), 2 Oct 2006;
Guide for AR 15-6 Investigating Of?cers;
Uniform Code of Military iusrice, 2008;
Deparunent ofthe Anny (DA) Form 3381, Rights Warning Advisement; and
DA Form 2823, Sworn Statement (with Privacy Act Statement).
9999?s
Having been made available to the Commander, USFOR-A. by to
support this USFOR-A investigation, you are hereby appointed as on investigating of?cer pursuant to
AR 545, Chapter 3, Precedares for Investigating (Mimi's and Boards 0 rears, to conduct an
informal investigation related to a civilian casualty incident hr: 12 February 2010
in Gardez District, Paktiya Province. as previously investigated the operation and the
events surrounding the civilian casualties. Your investigation will focus 0n ovo issues: first. whether
the ground force deliberately misled their higher headquarters in initial reports regarding the incident;
and second, whether the ground force attempted to hide the circurnstanees surrounding the casualties
by altering, tampering with, andfor cleaning up the incident scene. This investigation is your primary
mission until you tender your completed ?ndings and recommendations to the commander, no later
than 15 days from the date you receive this order. Yoru' appointment remains in effect until the
investigation is completed and no further investigation is required. unless released sooner by the
appointing authority.
3. As noted above, yom investigation will Focus on the events on the objective immediately following
the operation. Your investigation will address the following matters using a question and answer
format in your ?ndings:
a. The facts and circumstances surrounding the post-operation events on the objective by the
ground force, to include reporting to higher headquarters;
b. What sedens did U.S. service members take when assessing the scone? Did US. service
members seal off the objective area. and if so, how long? Who, if anyone, From ontside the ground
force was allowed inside the objective area during this period?
c. Did anyone attempt to or succeed in removing bullets from the walls in the home where the
civilians were killed, and if so, why?
d. Did anyone attempt to or succeed in removing bullets from rhe bodies of any of the ?ve
casualties, and if so, why? Did anyone attempt to or succeed in cleaning up or altering the bodies of
any of the five casualties. and if so. why?
e. Did anyone attempt to hide the cause of death of the casualties?
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gerda-z District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 01$;l
USFOR-A-CDR
SUBJECT: Appointment Order - investigating Of?cer Pursuant to Army Regulation (AR)
15-6, Procedures for Investigation twice? and Boards of O?icers, 2 October 2006
f. Did anyone alter, clean, or otherwise tamvper with the scene in any way following the
operation, and if so, why?
g. Did the ground force who follow the proper unit standard operating procedures (SOP) or
policies for sensitive site esploitation (SSE) or Battle Damage Assessment If not how did
their actions vary from the
h. Any other matters pertaining to this incident that you deem relevant to the scope of this
investigation.
4. You will make speci?c factuaJ ?ndings and have the discretion to use any combination ofthe
following methods: examination of reievant documents; visiting relevant locations; evaluating
procedures; conducting inventories; taking pictures; and interviewing witnesses, documenting ali
witness interviews in writing. You are not limited to these means of investigation, and your legal
adviser may provide you with additional guidance.
5. Based upon your factual ?ndings, you will make recommendations which are not only supported
by the facts, but also reasonably related to the facts.
6. Before you begin yoLIr investi ation. on receive a brie?ng froml {airs}. {nits}. I
(one) iwho has been appointed as your legal
advisor- {not inter {more I
or DSN at} guns) I You must consult with your legal adviser regarding ali aspects of this
investigation, including developing an investigation plan, dotennining whether witnesses need to be
advised of their rights under the Article 3 l, UCMJ, (or the Fifth Amendment), and preparing your
?ndings and recommendations. You may use the investigative resources located at the
SharePoint Portal:
F0
You must review the originatinvestigation prior to beginning your own. You may use
any statements or exhibits from that investigation as you deem necessary, but you should re-interview
key witnesses, to include members of the ground force, regarding the issues listed above.
8. You are to conduct this investigation using the procedures outlined in Chapter 3, AR 15-6. No
individual has been named as a respondent at this time. All witnmses will be swam-in prior to their
interview. You are to thoroughly document all witness interviews in writing. preferably on a DA
Fonn 2323 (Sworn Statement), You will interview all witnesses in person, if practical. Reduce any
oral statements to memorandums for record.
9. if, in the course of your investigation, you come to reasonably SuSpect that certain pepple may
have engaged in criminal conduct, you must advise them of their rights under Article 31, UCMJ (right
against self~incrimination, outlined in DA Form 333] warnings}, or the Fifth Amendment, as
appropriate. Witness waivers of their Article 31 or Fifth Amendment rights will be documented on
DA Form 338! (Rights Warning PmcedurefWaiver Certi?cate). In addition, you may need to provide
a witness with a Privacy Act statement before you solicit any personal information. You are to
maintain a daily written chronology of your actions on this investigation. You are strongly
encouraged to consult your appointed legal adviser if you have any questions regarding these
procedures.
10. You may examine documents of personnel senior to you, and interview personnel senior to you.
However, if, in the course of yoUr investigation, you determine that the investigation will require you
to examine the conduct or performance of duty of a service member senior to you1 or to which you
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gerda-z District Paktya Province Clip-elation. 12 Feb 10 020
USFOR-A-CDR
SUBJECT: Appointment Order Investigating Officer Pursuant to Army Regulation (AR)
15-6, Procedures for Investigation Q?ieers and Boards of?cers, 2 October 2006
have a moral or ethical con?ict, then you shall report that fact to my office immediately. 1 will linen
appoint another service member, senior to the service member affected, who will either replace you as
the investigating of?cer or conduct a separate inquiry into the matters pertaining to the service
member.
I . if you determine through your investigation that possible criminal conduct has occurred,
immediately notify your appointed legal adviser before proceeding any further with your
investigation. Criminal conduct includes violations of the UCMJ, punitive regulations, international,
host nation, or other applicable State or Federal law. In making this decision, consider whether it is
more likely than not, under the circumstances you are aware of, that an offense has been committed
by someone. Should there be any ongoing criminal investigation into this matter, yOu are to ensure
that you do not interfere with any such investigation.
12. From the evidence, you will make ?ndings concerning what occurred. Support your ?ndings by
substantial evidence and by a greater weight of evidence than supports any different conclusion. In
developing your recommendations, encore that your recommendations are supported by year ?ndings.
Develop in your recommendations any courses of' edition that seem appropriate to resolve any issues or
problems raised by your ?ndings, and recommend whether judicial, or no judicial proceedings, or
further investigations are warranted.
13. The report ofinvestigation will be completed {in a DA Form [574. The report wili include a table
ofcontents, and all exhibits will be tabbed. You will consult with your appointed legal advisor in
developing your findings and recommendations. Your ?ndings and supporting documentation shall
be as thorough as necessary to foiiy capture the facts and circumstances surrounding the scope of this
investigation.
14. Submit your ?ndings and recommendations AR 13-6 to the Of?ce of the Staff Judge
Advocate, US FOR-A, for a legal review no later than days from the date of appointment. Submit
any request for modification of the suspense or the scope of your investigation to Staff Judge
Advocate, USFOR-A, through your legal adviser.
FOR THE COMMANDER:
Staff Judge Advocate
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gerda-z District Paktya Province Opgation, 12 Feb 10 021
EXECUTIVE SUM MARY
On 12 February 2010, elements ofdiscovered the bodies of three deceased
females during post-operation SSE on a target in Khetaba Village. and the Afghan
Ministry of interior initiated separate investigations of this incident. After receiving th
rcport and a brief by the MOI Investigating Of?cer, LTG Yarmand, GEN subsequently
ordered this investigation to determine: 1) Did the ground force deliberately mislead its higher
headquarters in initial reports regarding this incident?,- and, 2} Did the ground force attempt to
hide the circumstances surrounding the casualties by altering, tampering with, andfor cleaning
up the incident scene?.
Our investigation concludes that the answer to both of these questions is "No" and
recommends no disciplinary action against the assault force members. The facts gathered in
this investigation indicate that ground force personnel were unaware that the females were
killed when they engaged Mohad Zahir after he emerged from a building in the compound with
an AK-47 pointed at the assault force on the roof. While multiple Afghan statements indicate
that the three females were attempting to prevent Zahir from confrontingand were
killed by rounds that either passed through or missed Zahir, and Ifor ricocheted offthe walls, by
all accounts neither of the shooters saw the women as the view in to the room behind Zahir
was likeiy obscured by his presence in the small doorway and a blanket hung over the exterior
door entrance. The ground force was confused by the unfamiliar sight of the women prepared
so quickly for burial and firmly believed that they did not kill the three women. They therefore
began to seek an explanation for the deaths. Although the facts as they are examined now
make it highly improbable these women were killed by any other means and placed on the
scene, the ground ferce believed that the women had been killed prior to the operation when
they first assessed the situation. Our investigation found that the ground force?s attempt to
assess and explain the unu5ual scene in Room 1A led to an assumption that the women had
been killed by Afghans and placed on the scene. This report was not made in an attempt to
mislead higher headquarters, but was the honest assessment of the situation by forces on the
ground.
It is undeniable that ?ve innocent people were killed and two innocent men were
wounded in the conduct ofthis operation. To simply call this ?regrettable? would be callous; it
is much more than that. However, the unique chain of events that led to their deaths is
explicable. It was con?rmed that as on the target area/compound before the
ground force was launched. The ground force did not receive any intelligence that he had left
the objective before they began the operation. The two men subsequently shot and killed
presented themselves as combatants when they armed themselves with Ali-43's The men who
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 022
engaged Zahir did not purposely or knowingly shoot into a room full of people, especially
women. Actions taken by the APU mentor upOn immediate discovery of the bodies (video) and
the ground force commander (sitrep reporting the bodies within 10-15 minutes of assessing the
scene) are reasonable, in accordance with SOP, and not the actions ofthose trying to mislead or
Coverup.
While there were tactical mistakes made, these were not within the scope ofthis
investigation and they were addressed in the initial inveStigation. Our investigation does
provide secondary and tertiary recommendations related to tactical lessons learned,
information operations, reporting, and record keeping.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 023
CHRONOLOGY 0F INVESTIGATION
DATE
SAprillo Received appointment letter fromI I
SJA
{tr-H3) assigned to team; {men
I (IONS). (bus) Iassigned as legal advisor.
9Apri110 Team assembled at established of?ce at
awaiting paralegal support; in-calls withAG,
(WES). (bite)
10Apri110 Studied previous investigation, prepared investigation
plan, met withommander, requested additional
documentation.
11Apri110 Met with OPS officer, (blt3). {busy I
Discussed case, reviewed Powerpoint brief synopsizing
the event. Received requested products from
Provided ?rst list of names to interview and
began coordination with units, both in Afghanistan
and US. Began coordination with BSO for
transportation and support to Gardez incident site.
Continued to work through speci?ed/ implied tasks,
facts, assumptions in order to frame an approach to
this investigation and questions to ask witnesses.
Ultimate goal is to answer questions directed in
appointment order. {mien
this). {bil?l I assigned as additional legal support.
12Apri110 Completed speci?c/implied tasks, facts, assumptions.
Discussed questioning approach for witnesses.
Prioritized witness list and schedule. Interviewed (but?)
(him). {bil?l
regarding {mama 0C procedures and his recall of
0C events the evening of the operation. Continued
contacting POCs to arrange for witness interviews.
AG of?ce contacted previous 15?6 IO
linS'J. {bll?lt? arrange for interview and for his assistance in
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 024
arranging interviews of witnesses in Damneck, VA
area. I (inSMbii?i wrote MFR regarding interview
with {bars}. {bii?i Spoke with
I (biro1.4a.rbirsi.rmrsi re: missiOn clearance
procedures.
I3Apri110 Conducted telephonic interviews: (him). one lat
approx. 1730; (memoirs) at 2030; ibii3i.ibii5i lat
2200; {bii3i. (one) at 2230; (bii3i.ibi{61 Iat 2245.
(DES). (bars) to
arrange for interviews with remaining AF members
and to obtain ISR feed and Comms feed.
14Apri110 Began typing MFRs regarding previous day?s witness
interviews. (bars). (tr-H6)
coordinated site visits to Gardez and Compound Site
withI chimera I Arranged for
interviews withI (burs). (bars) I
Continued efforts to obtain ISR I
sound/footage, Inch chat, SATCOM recordings.
Arranged for interview withl inSi. (bits) I
{bits}. (one:
lSAprillO I Ito
discuss site visits. Interviewedl (burs). one) I
this). one lContinued efforts to arrange
interviews; attempted to contactl ibii33. ibii?i
on original investigation and <me this)
who), {bits} to arrange interviews with
the family members. Attempting to arrange for
I interview with ANP BG Destigeer.
16April10 Conducted in person interview withl {Wt (bits) lat
1230. Conducted telephonic interviews:
I (his). one lat 2035;
at 2045; (his). (bits) lat 2100. Continued
to coordinate travel for 18 April.
17Apri110 Received sworn statements from (motions)
I {in33. one) Ivia e-mail. I (bits) I
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 025
I W3). W6) Ialso forwarded a JOC Log and a timeline put
together by his team after the operation, included as
an exhibit to the original 15?6. The JOC log sent
matched the JOC Log included as an exhibit in the
original 15?6. Conducted telephonic interviews with
I this). roars) lat 2330. a_
18Apri110 Travelled toI {bi?ma Ito interview
I {mim- mne BG Destigeer, Haji
I {bits} I
{bits} I Then travelled to
Jalalabad Air?eld to visitand meet with
Travelled toI {bit1i1-4a Ito meet with
?ve of the six APU members involved in the Operation.
19Apri110 Reviewed ISR feed; didn?t have audio or time stamp.
Received JOC Logs fof {mun-4a lfor the
night of the operation. Conducted telephonic
interviews withl W3). {men at 1730.
2'0Aprill'? Conducted telephonic interview with
Began to assemble facts and determine ?ndings and
recommendations.
21Apri110 Wrote facts, ?ndings, and recommendations and
began to assemble exhibits and associated
documentation. Conducted telephonic interview with
(bits). {bursa I
22April 10 Completed assembling,
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 026
OBJECTIVE DIAGRAM
SDSERIES
LEGEND BA 9A 101% 11A
?5
Warningshots
15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 02?
UNCLASSIFIED
(mun-43 i
Executive Summary
The overall classification of this brief is:
08 APR 2010
CLASSIFIED 5v: MAN aao-s.dam1myaa
DECLASSIFY cm: 205 APR 32 UNCLASSIFIED
AH 15?5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 023
ain (1)
Assault occurred at um 11 February 2010 in Gardez District, Paktiya
Province
Two Armed males were found on target and killed in the courtyard
Three women were discovered during clearance of structure
These women were never spotted or engaged during the assault
The focus of the operation then became determining how the three women
had been killed
Lack of cultural awareness led the Assault Force to conclude these
women had been killed by someone else
Initial inspection of the bodies suggested that they had been dead over
several hours
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10 029
Main (2)
This lead to the false conclusion that the women had been murdered
Assault Force leadership remained on target, and conducted turnover with
the Battle Space Owner and the Afghan Ministry of Interior
Documentation of the bodies and the room was conducted
No tampering of the scene was conducted by the Assault forces or Battle
Space Owner
Afghan lead investigation team arrived ile1J1.4a after the
Assault Force had left the area
It is probable that the family prepared the bodies for funeral in accordance
with the local custom
The time lag may have contributed to dramatically different conclusions
between the US and Afghan investigations
secemeeuaceu
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10 030
Target Compound Schematic Buildings 34 and 35
LEGEND
4- .
i an
Warning
shotsbyAPU
?x
4 14A 0
211
BLDG 35 Eng/:2
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 031
Post AssaultTimeline (1)
12 FEB10
Non?essential personnel
Assault Force personnel remained on target in order to conduct Key Leader
Engagement with local village elders, local Afghan National Police leadership.
the provincial deputy governor and the Battle Space Owner Battalion CDR. Key
Leader Engagement receipts were received by the residence's elder.
(bli1l1-4a moved to exfil. ibli1l1-4a
(blt1l1.4a
lbll?l
conducts walk through with
before proceeding to draft press release
{bli?l
Gen Adel, Chief of Investigation, Dep 505 East Zone is on scene.
ISAF conduct lbll1l1.4a mitigation VTC
2?d ISAF thinner mitigation VTC
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10
032
Post AssaultTimeline (2)
12 FEB 10
- 09302: Reporter this: for Dateline releases quotes challenging ISAF
release
- ~15002: Assault force Key Leader Engagement also included the Battle
Space Owner Surgeon who assesses that the females have been dead 8?12
hours. Surgeon makes a medical assessment of the deceased females for
the Battle Space Owner's investigation.
Shura conducted with village elders, Afghan National Police
general. conventional Battle Space Owner, Afghan Partner Unit andibimm
(mun-4a Ground Force Commander in which the Assault Force key leaders
explained the actions on the objective and the Battle Space Owner Battalion
Commander spoke to the key leaders of the Afghan National Police present.
- 13302: IJC and FBI investigators arrive on scene
150022 3rd ISAF (mama mitigation VTC
SEQ-W
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 033
Post Assault Timeline (3)
- 11 FEB: SSE Report from the Assault Force posted
- 12 FEB: comma stating: that pro-Taliban insurgents
had executed three women in a house in Gardez in Paktya Province earlier
that day and hoped to blame the deaths on the US. military. (sensitive source
report)
- 12 FEB 14562: (mum Special Story Board for {bum-43 ver
2
- 12 FEB 13522: {moire photos posted to portal
12 FEB 10542: {mum Ireleases special storyboard ver 1
- 12 FEB: ISAF releases "Joint Forces Operating in Gardez Makes Gruesome
Discovery? article
- 12 FEB: Joint Press Release titled ?Afghan-International Security Force are
Conducting a Joint Investigation into incident in Paktiya
- 12 FEB 06002: HO releases initial statement to Minister Atmar from the VTC
at 06002 in reference to post-ops mitigation
from lama
SEC-WU
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation: 12 Feb 10 034
Post AssaultTimeline (4)
- 12 FEB 07262: Releases corrected final Story Board
12 FEB 05202:
Women Dead, Kill Two Militants in Paktya"
13 FEB:
(b)l1)1.4a
appoints Investigating Officer
Press Release ?Afghan-Combined Force Find Three
- 14 FEB:
photos for
release based on LTG Yerman request to view photos taken by the assault force
- 14 FEB: BG Bowes, leader of the Inquiry Team into
I
I conducted a conference call with
(bll3i. (bll?l
MG Regner, IJC
lelSJ. {bll?l
this
evening at 16302 to discuss his initial ?ndings and the state of the inquiry.
15 FEB: BSO receives detainees from
15 FEB: CJTF 82 releases proposed talking points for
15 FEB: Sworn statements taken from Afghan Partner Unit, Gardez, and
members
seen-mm
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10
for release
035
Post Assault Titneline (5)
01 MAR: {mum completes 15-6 Investigation
01 MAR: Legal review of the 15-6completed
02 MAR: mama CDR signs Approval of 15-6
14 MAR: ISAF Rejects Cover up Allegations
20 MAR: BG Trembley briefed General on the brief that he received
from Ministry of Interior Criminal Investigations Division earlier today.
23 MAR: ibii1i1-4a J3 and JAG meet with General MOI lead
investigator and BG Trembley. Receive MOI investigation brief.
23 MAR: COMISAF directs IJC to coordinate a shura in Gardez with the
following participants: local village elders and family members; officials
(recommend LtGen Yeoman be one of those); {buwa senior representative(s);
and 880 senior representative(s).
04 APR: ISAF releases article ?Gardez investigation concludes?.
05 APR: UK Times publishes two articles by ibii?l special
forces 'tried to cover-up? botched Khataba raid in Afghanistan" and report
criticizes covert troops who committed Afghan killings?
05 APR: International media including New York Times, REUTERS, CNN, AFP,
AI Jazerra, Pajhwok Afghan News, and Indian Express publish articles stating US
Admits to killing women
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation: 12 Feb 10 036
Assault ForcePhotographs
Building 34 Room 1A
Five bodies discovered by APU
During clearance
Assault Foi??} Photographs
(bli?i
Assaulters conducting
a search of the KlAs
Entrance to Building 34
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10
(bli1l1a43.
033
Assault ForcePhotographs
Assault Force searching for
*?3?1?1'431?m?m wounds on Female 1
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10 039
Assault ForceliPhotographs
Building 34 Room 1A
Female 2
Assault Ford?? Photographs
Building 34 Room 1A
EKIA1
Assault Force'Photographs
Building 34 Room 1A
EKIA 2
HOME)
Female 3 with cloth wrapping
head and toes
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10
{bills}
043
?Photographs
{bli1i1-431 (W5)
Afghan men present on the objective
ibii1i1l4a. ibii?i
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10 044
Photographs
(bJI1J1-4?1iblf?l
Unusual Neck Wound
Female 2
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10 045
UNCLASSIFIED
Questions Discussion
UNCLASSIFIED
15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10
D45
HEADQUARTERS
BAGRAM. AFGHANISTAN
litjirt :Jr
2 March 2010
MEMORANDUM OR RECORD
SUBJECT: Approval of AR 15-6 Investigation ICOI KW)
1. (U) I approve the ?ndings of the investigation with the following exceptions and substitutions:
a. (U) Approved. I ?nd no wrong?rl use of entry techniques and the entry techniques did not
contribute to LN deaths.
b. (U) Approved with the following additions.
(1) WEAR I ?nd thatl Ipersonne] provided medical
treatment to two LN males who were wounded at some dine during operations orta
Subsequently/J (him). (but?) Ithel (blt1l1-43 IPhysician?s
Assistant, conducted a cursory ?eld exam on the ?ve found dead on them] This was the
only documented record of a health care provider conducting any type of autopsy or like medical
evaluation.
(2) Wtold his BN CDR, did not believe had
killed the three females. I told him the stab wound to the 18-20 year old female was odd and out
of character for special operations personnel. I told him the bodies were in rigor, which takes
eight to twelve hours to relax- I knew the bodies were in rigor because of the effort it took to
move the head of the female with the stab wound to the throat.?
c. (1) (U) Approved. I ?nd that both LN males displayed hostile intent prior to
engagement by the Assault Force.
(2) (U) Approved with the following addition. The Assault Force could have attempted
to use more assets at their disposal to more e??ec ti vely call-out the oesopants of the buildings.
d. (U) Approved. I concur with the IO that the cause of death of the three LN females is
inconclusive. The lack of investigative procedure and future access to the 10 by the ANSF,
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
SUBJECT: Approval of AR 156 Investigation
of?cials and Khataba village inhabitants contributed to an inconclusive ?nding in
determining the deaths of the three females.
(1) (U) Approved.
(2) Approved. I concur with the 10 that a plausible cause in the deaths
of the three LN females could have been a shoot through from lethal ?res applied by the AP
Iagainst Zahir. But if this did occur, there was no
intention to engage anyone exoept for Zahir who had demonstrated hostile intent by arming
himself, and then a hostile act by pointing the AK47 at both US Soldiers.
(3) Wises-F) Approved. I concur with the 10 that there are other plausible Causes
of death for the three LN females including, but not limited to, cultural ritual, accident, or
unknown circumstances. I concur with the 10?s ?ndings that the rudimentary ballistic evidence
suggests that it is unlikely that the lethal engagement of Zahir resulted in the shoot thru of the
three LN females.
e. (1) (U) Approved.
(2) (U) Approved.
(3) Approved with the following addition. I ?nd the fact that the Assault
Force Leader failed to mention the similar burial preparations on Davvood that were visible in
SSE photos led to erroneous assumptions that were made by the Assault Force and transmitted to
thel {bil1it4a Ifurther leading to the belief that the three LN females had been killed
for a cultural purpose.
(4) (U) Approved.
f. (U) Approved.
g. Approved. I ?nd that thel Ito keep a BHO force
on the was critical to consequence management, and although it did not dissuade local
national resentment, it did create an environment of transparency with CF 5.
i. (U) Approved as per below in paragraph 2 of this memorandum.
j. (U) Approved.
AH 15-5 Investigation of Garcia-z District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 D48
SUBJECT: Approval of AR 15-6 Investigation MSW
2.. (U) I approve the recommendations of the investigation with the following exceptions and
substitutions:
a. (1) (U) Approved. Disseminate to subordinate TFs for action.
(2) (U) Approved. Disseminate to subordinate TFs for actiOn.
b. (U) Approved. Disseminate to subordinate TFs for action.
(3) (seeds?Lam Approved. Refer to for action.
(4) Weep; Approved. Refer toor evaluation of feasibility.
c. (U) Approved. No action required.
(2) (U) Approved. No action required.
(3) (W Approved. Refer tol (btt1t1-4a Ifor action.
d. (U) Additional actions.
(bli1l1-4a. iblt3}. (W5)
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 D49
SUBJECT: Approval of AR 15-6 Investigation ICOI
KW)
3. (U) I direct a copy of this report be provided to the and subordinatetma
tbit1i1.4 for dissemination and implementation of approved recommendations. I direct a copy of
this report to be provided to the Commander, CJTF-SZZ, and the Commander, IJC, for their
information and any actions they deem
4. (U) Point of contact is thel
(mama. ibit3i. (bits) I
or SIPRI comma thiSJ. ibit?i
ibii3l. ?33(5)
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 050
HEADQUARTERS
BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF
1 March 2010
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
I lbit1it.4a Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (SHREHSAF)
1. (-SH-R-E-HSAH Purpose of Investigation: The purpose of this investigation is to determine
the facts and circumstances surrounding the deaths of local nationals that occurred during
in the vicinity of Gardez District, Paktya Province, Afghanistan,
during period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (bits) Ito serve as
the investigating of?cer on 13 February 2010 (Exhibit 1). (bits) I
representative) andl (bits). lbli?i Ifor
the investigation.
2. Background:
a. On 11 February 2010,
in the vicinity of Gardez District, Paktya Province, Afghanistan. The operation
resulted in the deaths of two males and the discovery of three dead females and two wounded
males. I (b)l1)1.4a
land the casualties is
unknown. The deaths of the Mo mates occurred during a tactical call-out (TCO) of the targeted
compound and discovered the three dead females and two wounded males during the
sensitive site exploitation (SSE) phase of the operation. (Exhibits 7, 8, 0, and 11)
c. (UHFGUQ) In the aftermath of the operation, villagers from the area conducted multiple
demonstrations in the vicinity of the provincial police headquarters (PHQ). Following these
demonstrations. village elders held a share with Ministry of interior (Moi), Provincial Afghan
National Police (AMP), Provincial Government and ISAF Joint Command (IJC) personnel. The
village elders? demands included the release of the eight detainees, ISAF acceptance of
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya PM 0 1
SUBJECT: Anny Regulation 15-5 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
{b}i1l1.4a Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
responsibility for the civilian casualties. and punishment of the ?informantiagent? responsible for
the faulty intelligence. During the shore, locals promised not to demonstrate further. and IJC
promised it would conduct a full investigation. (Exhibit 17)
3. (U) Participants: The following forces participated in this operation. (Exhibit 2, 11. 12. 14):
a. WI ibli1i1.4a
13. (U) Battle Space Owners (BSO):
(1) l;
lbil1i1-4a
I ibii1l1.4a Ii
c. (U) Afghan National Police (AMP), Gardez District
d. {SiiR-ElriSA-Fal ib)i1l1.4a I
lbli1l1-4a
4. Facts: 5.a. The detaiied facts and circumstances surrounding the conduct
of the operation and foiio w-on actions in mitigation, coordination, and assistance. (For
a detailed timeline of events see Exhibit 3 and for greater geospatial understanding see Exhibit
4-)
a. (U) Purpose of the Operation:
ibiiEi
2
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 052
SEGR-EWEHSAF
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (urrFe-ee)
(2) WI
ib)i1i1-4a. {bilTiiEi
b. (U) Operational Planning:
lb)? 11-43. ibii3). ibil5}. (bile-i. ibiiTJiEi. leTJiFi
3
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 053
11.43
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UHFQL-J-Q)
4
MEI-SAP
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
054
WEI-SAP
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UHF-GHQ)
{bitTitEJ
5
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 055
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
ibii1}1.4a Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UNFOUO)
ibii1i1.4a.
6
15-6 investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 055
(mono:
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
{mime Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UN-FEQ-UO)
(bii1i1-4H. (bii5). ibiiTiiEi
7,
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 057
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UHFQUG)
ibii1i1.4a. ibii3}. (WE). ibiiTHEl
8
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
058
seem
in 11.43
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UH-F9569)
iblt1J1-4a. iinBL (W5). ibiiTiiEi. (MUHFJ
WEB-SAP
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 059
SUBJECT: Anny Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
on period of darkness 11-12 Februargiir 2010. (UH-F999)
(MUN-43. ibii3ii ibii5). (ti-HE}.
10
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UHFGUQ)
- e. Post Mission Intelligence: The following items came from tactical questioning, and
other post mission intelligence.
(3) (unease) Weapons: During SSE,located three one pistol and
multiple grenades in building 35 (Exhibits 3 and 13). assessed that two of the
were the weapons held by Dawood and Zahir during the engagements.
f. (U) Medical Care:
'11
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 051
SUBJECT: Anny Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
I Ion period of darkness 11?12 February 2010.
(1) (Ll/$999) Wounded 15-year-old male: The platoon medic provided medical care to
the wounded 15~year?old male discovered holding his side in building 35. The platoon medic
assessed the abdomen wound was caused by a gunshot. It is assessed the male was originally
in building 34, but the assault force moved him to building 35 following completion of clearance.
The medic cleaned and bandaged the wound and assessed it as a super?cial through-and-
through wound (Exhibits 2 and 11). Local medical providers moved him to Kabul for further
treatment.
(2) (UHFQUQ) Wounded 25-year-old male: The platoon medic provided medical care to
the wounded 25-year-old male discovered with blood on the left side of his shirt and pants in
building 35. The platoon medic assessed the wound to his left arm was GaUsed by a through-
and-through gunshot wound, and the wound to his leg was Caused from a small piece of
fragmented metal. It is assessed he was originally in building 34, but the assault force moved
the male to building 35 following completion of clearance. The medic cleaned and bandaged
the wounds and assessed them as super?cial through-and-through wounds (Exhibits 2 and 11).
Local medical providers moved the patient to the Gardez Provincial Hospital for follow-on
treatment. A subsequent interview with] lbiiBIl. ibiintFi I
revealed the doctors believe a ricocheting bullet caused the leg wound (Exhibit 11).
g. (U) Public Affairs:
(1) Release: On 12 Feb, prepared a PAO release with talking
points which was sent to the Media Operations" e-mail list at 05372. The release
contained information the assault force found the women "tied up, gagged, and killed? as well as
?hidden in an adjacent room.? Also on 12 Feb,prepared a Public Affairs Of?ce (PAO)
release with talking points to ISAF, USFOR-A, and IJC at 05382 via classified e-mail. This
release was never sent forward. The release contains no information on the women being
bound and gagged. Both events took place after the ?rst lift of the assault force and the
detainees had departed the scene, but before and 830 leadership arrived at the scene
(Exhibit 15).
(2) (smegma) At 08232, sent a joint press release to the
Media Operations" e-mail list andl lbii3ii (bits). ibii?iiFi I The release contained
information the force "found the bound and gagged bodies of two women." It also details the
Moi investigation delegation sent to Gardez and alleges ?[sleveral insurgents engaged the joint
force in a ?re ?ght and were killed," which was the most widely rebroadcasted release (Exhibit
15).
(3) 09562.5ent a Post Operation to and Mitigation package
to a large e?mail list, which contained information on the target and a GlRoA-releasable
storyboard, as well as l0 themes and talking points. Of note is the e?mail list contained the
12
AF: 15?6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 052
3mm
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
addresses for the PRT Khost Commander I (mist, (bits), {minim I, but not
PRT Palctya?s Commanderl (bits), {minim I (Exhibit 15).
The 880 has taken the lead on consequence management and
engagement for this operation, but neither of their IO personnel {bits . (b mun
ibit1i1.4ai inSi. tbit?i.
lwas on the list, however. While mama
Based on the timestamp from the e-mail, this information was sent
out after the 380 had been in a meeting with provincial of?cials (ANP Chief, NDS Chief,
Provincial Deputy Governor), while a demonstration was taking piece, and approximately an
hour prior to the arrival of the Mol investigative team from Kabul. Some of the information on
the women being bound and gagged was released from the scene in radio reports to the BSD
JOC and may have been forwarded to and further via the (Exhibit
15).
LEAF) During this time period, reoeived multiple reports
of statements allegedly made by Paktya Deputy ANP Chief BG Destigeer about what was found
at the scene (one statement was CF had killed Paktva NDSI (bits) Ianother
was CF had killed two NDS agents). Thel IWas also barred from doing any
messaging for the incident by CJTF-BZ. When the decision was made to release the detainees
taken from the objective, and ANSF issued the press statement (Exhibit 15).
(8) (U) There have been no subsequent press releases.
h. Condolence Payment: As of 19 February 2010, CF have offered no
payments to the family. During a meeting before the 14 Feb detainee transfer, the father was
persuaded by MG Fatah (ANP Zone 2 Commander) to accept some money Fatah said was
Dawood's last wages. One of the issues still outstanding is the allegation of theft of
approximater $85,000 from the premises, which was part of the demands both BG Wardak and
MG Fatah have made to settle the matter. During a KLE behveatBG Wardak, and
MG Fatah. BG Wardak mentioned condolence payment, but did not suggest an amount (Exhibit
11).
i. (UHFQUQ) investigation: The investigation has not had a major to impact with the
populace, but it has had a positive effect on CF relationship with ANSF in the province.
mi met with Paktya ANP Deputy Chief BG Destigeer about information needed in pursuit
13
SEGREMREH-SAE
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 053
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
of the investigation and was well-received by him. He said he was glad the investigation was
taking place to ensure something like this does not happen again and for future success in
partnered operations (Exhibit 11).
j. Key Leader Engagements: KLEs were the largest part of the consequence
management for this event, especially considering erroneous reports from and ANSF
of?cials on what had happened and the moratorium on messaging from echelons brigade and
below (Exhibits 11, 16, and 17).
(1) (UIIFQUQ) The ?rst KLE took place on site with the BSD, Deputy Governor. ANP
Chief, and GFC. The GFC walked the of?cials through his team's actions on the
objective. explaining what actions they had taken and what they had found at the scene
(Exhibits 7 and 11).
(2) (UHF-GHQ) The second KLE was done by the ISAF incident Response Team and
880 with a number of provincial leaders and the Moi-appointed representative (LTG Yarmand)
on 12 Feb at approximately 15002 at the Governor's Guest House. During this meeting. LTG
Yarmand met BG Bowes and they talked through what had happened that day, as well as
setting a plan for consequence management and the investigations (Exhibits 11 and 17).
(3) (UHF-9519) The third KLE was during the detainee release. and was held at FOB
Gardez with LTG Yarmand, Member of Parliamentl (bits)
lb){5) MG Fatah and BG Bowes. and CF personnel were able to meet
before the detainee transfer, and delivered the detainees to their families at the Regional
Training Center, which was well-received throughout the provincetb Fatah, and
BG Wardak held the last KLE to date with each other on 18 Feb. During this KLE. the ANSF
representatives explained their efforts to calm tensions in the area, provided atmospherics on
the village. and talked about the way ahead (Exhibit 11).
5. Findings.
a. b. Describe the methods used to gain entry into targeted
compounds and structures during the mission and their effectiveness. ?nd that the
methods used to gain entry into the targeted compounds were effective.
ibii1)1.4a
14
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 054
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
b. o. (mitigate) The nature and extent of any injuries or casualties encountered
Upon, or as a result of, the conduct of this operation and include any subsequent medical
care offered, provided, and/or declined.
(1) The casualties were (Exhibits 2 and 13):
GENDER NAME AGE LOCATION STATUS
1 Male Dawood ~38 ylo Engaged by assault force Killed by
from rooftop. Killed GSW to the
Courtyard (btw 34 8? sheet
35)
2 Male Zahir ~42 ylo Engaged by assault force Killed by
from rooftop. Killed in GSW to the
34 doorway. chest
3 Female Bibi Saibeha ~35 yio Found in 34, rm 1A Died of
wounds
4 Female Bibi Shirin ~22 yio Found in 34. on 1A Died of
wounds
5 Female Gulalay ~18 ylo Found in 34, m1 1A Died of
wounds
6 Male {bits} ~25 ylo Unknown, Treated in Wounded to
35, rm 2A the left arm
and left leg
7 Male UNK ~15 ylo Unknown, Treated in Wounded to
35 rm 2A the lower left
abdomen
(2) See also paragraph above for treatment summary of wounded
males.
5. Whether the employment of force by each element was a result of a
demonstration of hostile intent, hostile act, or imminent threat; See paragraphs below
e. Whether the amount of force used in each case was necessary
and propertional under the circumstances; See paragraphs below
f. What, if any, steps were taken to escalate and/or deescalate the
use of force for any engagements; See paragraphs below
k. WEAR Did the Assault Force use appropriate de-escalation Tactics,
l. Who conducted the Tactical Call-Outs (T005), what was the
location of the individuals conducting TCOs relative to occupants of the targeted
15
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 055
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UHFGUQ)
compounds, and was it reasonable to assume TCOs could be heard by occupants? See
paragraphs below
(1) After an analysis of their actions, I find each acted
in accordance withl (bll1l1.4a Icore values and the Laws of Armed Con?ict. Each
member that ?red his weapon acted within the Rules of Engagement because they responded
to what they perceived as hostile intent. During the operation, lb)l1)1.4a
engaged personnel. Assault force perceived two individuals as displaying hostile intent. In both
shooting incidents, all four shooters responded to what they perceived as a direct and imminent
threat to themselves or to the members of their assault force. Based on the imminent nature
and time urgency of the threat, none of the four shooters was either in a position to avoid the
engagement through escalation of less than lethal means or in a position to deescalate the
situation in time to prevent perceived harm to themselves and the members of their assault
ferce. In each instance, the amount of force utilized was necessary, proportional and applied at
appropriate time. Reference paragraphs (11) for the description of the engagements.
(Exhibits 4, 11, 12, 20)
(2) find it reasonable to believe that the occupants of the compound
clearly heard and understood the TCO. base this assessment on the close proximity to
the building with the majority of people inside. The fact that assault force personnel located
behind walls and over 150 meters away could clearly hear the TCO con?rms this assessment.
Finally, local national accounts from the site visit on 14 FEB and detainee reporting con?rms
that the males inside the compound heard and understood the TCO (Exhibits 1t, 14). The
assault force's interpreter, APU soldiers and APU mentor conducted the TCO across the street
approximately 15 meters from the target compound (Exhibits 11, 12). Reference paragraph
4.d.(15) for the description ofthe TCO.
d. g. Provlde assessment for cause of death of deceased Local
National females and is it consistent with the reports to Although
16
WEB-8A1:
15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 056
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UHFQ-HQ)
the investigation team assesses the most likely cause of death for the three females and
wounding of two males was from penetrating and fragmented rounds ("shoot throughs?)
following the engagement of the armed male in the doorway to building 34, the team's results
are inconclusive. Local national claims support the theory of "shoot throughs" from the second
engagement resulting in the deaths of the females and wounding of males. However, many
inconsistencies with this theory remain.
(1) (-SiliR-E-lrl-SAH Two engagements from this operation resulted in two killed males.
(bimiE) Icon?nn that there were only two engagements (Exhibits 4, 11I
12, and 14). The assault force discovered three dead females during SSE in the same room as
the dead males (reference paragraph and the assault force discovered the two
wounded males assessed to have originated from building 34 in building 35 during TQ
{reference paragraph
(2) Before examining the inconsistencies with the theory, it is important
to examine the evidence that does support the theory. Local nationals claim there was a party
in the compound celebrating the birth of a child; the guests feared they were being attacked by
the TB as retribution for drinking wine, playing music. their Tajik ethnicity and for being guests of
an ANP commander; and the women were killed during the second engagement as they tried to
prevent Zahir from exiting the building to take bade! (revenge) for the death of his brother?all of
which seems to be corroborated by some of the evidence. This evidence includes:
ibll1ll-4a. ibli1l1.4c. {bliFJiFl
(UNFQUQ) An interview conducted bith alocal
national employee who was at the compound during the operation corroborates the "shoot
through? theory. This local national claims that the women were killed trying to prevent Zahir
from exiting the doonvay (Exhibit 11).
Dawood?s cousin and father gave the ANFJ and the investigation
team a summary of events that corroborated the ?shoot through? theory during the 14 FEB site
visit (Exhibit 1 1).
Convincing reporting corroborates the
"shoot through? theory. The reporting indicating that the TI was at the compound earlier in the
17
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 1D 05?
(bli1j1.4a
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15~6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
(bji1l1.4a on period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UNFGU-Q)
period of darkness to celebrate the birth, escaped capture and that CF accidentally killed two
ANP of?cers and three women (Exhibit 11).
Consistency in all eight detainees? statements that would be
impossible to pre?plan without prior knowledge of speci?cs of the operation seems to help
corroborate the ?shoot through" theory. The detainee reports corroborate that the women died
when they tried to stop Zahir from exiting the building. They describe the party and the
circumstances of Zahir?s and Dawood's death (Exhibit 14).
The audio transcript of unwitting compound inhabitants.
recorded during the BHO and while compound family members were in building 35, room 2A,
corroborates the theory that the women were killed during the operation and not prior (Exhibit
18).
(UNEQUQ) Understanding Afghan customs for preparation and burial of the
dead explains the unusual wraps around the head and toes of the dead.
explained to the team that it is an embarrassment to a dead person?s family if rigor mortis sets in
and the body?s legs are uneven and the mouth open. explained that Afghans
often put the wraps around the head and jaw and tie a body?s toes together immediately after
death in order to prevent this. lbll? . loll? lFi explained the fact that it is very reasonable for the
locals to have wrapped the bodies in the time between the second engagement and the
clearance by APU (approximately 15 20 minutes) (Exhibits 16, 20).
ibjl1j1.4a. ibijriji lot the males who
compromised the TCO team at the gate corroborates what both local nationals at the site and at
86 Wardak's home claimed to the investigation team on 14 FEB. Although the lbjl1j1.4a
supports the assault force's assessment on the objective that one of the two males at the gate
was Dawood, Supports the locals? claim. The locals claimed that after the two men
detected the force at the gate. they came into building 35 and warned the group of men at the
party. They claim Dawood told the group of men to stay in the room and that he was going to
get a weapon to protect them (Exhibit 12).
The fact the family rented cooking pots for the party corroborates
the part of the local national stories that there was a party celebrating the birth of a child. These
cooking pots were located outside and con?rmed that these were the sort of pots
rented for special occasions (Exhibits 13, 20).
(UHEQUQ) The phone call to PHQ from a person at the party claiming the
compound was under attack from TB corroborates that the people in the compound did not
believe that the force outside was CF (Exhibit 11).
18
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 058
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UNEQUQ)
(UHEOUQ) Dawood?s father showed the investigation team the newborn
baby at the site during the 14FEB visit. The presence of the baby helps corroborate the locals?
claim for the reason for the party.
(I) (UHFQUQ) Food and musical instruments present in building 35 again
corroborates the claim that the locals were having a party (Exhibit 13).
(3) There are considerable questions about the cause of the females' deaths
and males' injuries because of the following: the investigation team was prevented from
interviewing many of the local nationals on the objective and the local doctor that examined the
female bodies; none of the bodies were autopsied; and there are multiple inconsistencies
between what was observed and what has since been reported by local nationals. Below are
some inconsistencies the investigation team discovered during the investigation:
of buildings 34
and 35 were only approximately 24-26 meters away from the male in the doorway (Exhibits 4
and 12). {bll1l1.4a and
said the room behind the armed male was well lit. Both shooters state they could clearly see
there were no other people around or behind Zahir when he opened the door (Exhibit 11). Both
shooters near simultaneously took their shots without coordinating between one another and
without the hesitation expected had the shooters observed the presence of females or non-
combatants in or around the doorway or target (Exhibits 4. 11, 12, 20).
The investigation team assessed the cone of ?re through the
doorway to building 34, room 1A. to be about three feet in diameter. The team made this
assessment by looking at round impact locations on the wall and door to room 2A directly
behind where the assault force engaged Zahir (Exhibit 13).
[(Exhibit 12).
1Q
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 059
SU BJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
on period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (UHFQU-Q)
Even without being able to do an autopsy on the bodies.
based on rounds found, land center of mass
gunshot wounds to the male in the doorway, it is probable that most, if not all. of the rounds can
be accounted for. All of the data supports the scenario of a small cone of ?re through the
doorway, the bullets' flight paths leading directly behind the target, and very little fragmentation
0r deflection of rounds into other parts of either room 1A or 2A (Exhibit 13).
(UHFQUQ) The scenario of these rounds leading to the death of the male in
the doorway, killing the three females in the room, and wounding two additional males seems
extremely improbable due to the relative small cone of fire and limited number of rounds actually
?red through the doorway (Exhibit 13).
(UIIEQUQ) Inside building 34, room 1A. the assault force, BHO law
enforcement professionals (LEP). and the 380 medical officer did not ?nd the amounts of blood
expected with lethal gunshot wounds to ?ve personnel and wounding gunshot wounds to two
additional personnel. There was only one distinguishable blood spatter pattem in building 34 on
the wall between the doors to 2A and 3A, possibly indicating only a single gunshot injury
(Exhibits 4, 11 and 13).
(UHFQUQ) According to the LEP, this spatter pattern was not necessarily
consistent with a "high velocity? injury. Additionally, there was little to no blood pooling below
the bodies. At least one of the females killed and one of the males killed had what appeared to
be lacerations on their chest. Additionally, one of the dead females appeared to have a knife
wound to her throat and a defensive gunshot wound to her hand (Exhibits 11 and 13).
On the exterior sill of the doorway to room 1A, the LEP located a
blood pattern which appeared to be more consistent with blunt force trauma. To the LEP, it
looked like someone had possibly slipped on the ice and split open his or her head on the hard
concrete (Exhibit 1 1).
(UHEGUQ) Just prior to the departure of the BHO and remainder of TM SHA,
a local doctor showed up at the scene. The doctor went into building 34, room 1A and closed
the door (Exhibit 11).
20
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AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10
(bli1i1.4a
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15?5 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
(unease) ANP could not tell the investigation team the name of the local
doctor. Thus. the team has not coordinated an interview with this doctor to determine the results
of his ?ndings.
(UHEQUQ) The assault force identi?ed what it believed to be a pool of blood
inside the SUV parked under the carport (Exhibit 13). However, the compound inhabitants
refused to unlock and open the vehicle during SSE. During the investigation team?s visit to the
compound, inhabitants claimed they did not have the keys to the vehicle and could not open it
for the investigation team. When asked where the keys were, the inhabitants ?rst told the team
that they buried the keys with Dawood (Exhibit 11).
(UiiF-QUQ)heard the locals talking after this explanation. He
heard one local turn to the local that gave the response and toldl him that he had ?done well to
answer the question that way". was extremely suspicious of the locals'
explanation. When the team highlighted this explanation as unlikely, the inhabitants then told
the team the family members used the vehicle to take the wounded males to the hospital and
one of the wounded males had the keys. However, they could not explain how the vehicle
made it back to the compound if one of the wounded males in the hospital had the keys
(Exhibits 11. 20).
(utiliouo) When members of the went to interview one of the
wounded males at the hospital in Gardez, they began interviewing the doctor responsible for
treating the male. The doctor offered to get the wounded male?s ?charts.? However, Dr.
I (bits), the Provincial Director of Public Health took over the interview and
dismissed the doctor. The team has been unable to get the charts from the hospital (Exhibit 11).
(Uii'liQielQ) Although promised a video recorded interview with Dawood?s and
Zahir's mother, who reportedly had been in building 34, room 1A during the second
engagement, the AMP failed to produce the video tape to the investigation team and have finally
claimed the interview did not happen.
ibil?l
During all shuras, KLEs and of?cial meetings there was little to no
mention or concern for the death of the three women?the ?rst genuine instance was during the
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AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 0?1
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
on period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
meeting held at the Governor's guest house by the Gardez shura member. Although this may
be based on the nuances of Afghan culture, it seems unlikely the death of threewomen integral
to four different branches of the same extended family would get little mention in these meetings
(Exhibit 2).
e. h. Describe the circumstances that led the Assault Force (AF) to
claim that the female Local Nationals were killed? See paragraphs (4) below.
i. Why did the Ground Force Commander (GFC) not report similar
cultural custom preparations of the male to those reported for the deceased Local
National females? See paragraphs (4) below.
j. f?S?i?REtrlSAl-T} Determine the reason for discrepancies between the Assault
Force description of the status of the deceased Local National females and what the SSE
photos depict? See paragraphs (4) below.
m. The SSE photos of the deceased Local National females depict
relatively recent wounds to include non-coagulated and or dry blood? estimate the time
of injuries sustained relative to the engagement of the military aged males. See
paragraphs - (4) below.
n. The GFC reported via Radio Telephone that the deceased Local
National females appeared to have been killed approximately 12?43 hours prior to actions
on the objective, yet the remains were collocated with and based upon SSE
photos, had what appeared to be similar wounds relative to the time of sustainrnent.
What led the GFC to make statements contrary to SSE photo depictions was this an
attempt to deceive? See paragraphs (4) below.
0. Did any element odeliberately deceive the Commander of
bout the Circumstances or events o? See paragraphs
(4) below.
(1) During the operation, some en'oneous reports were made due to the
confusion of the situation, speci?cally the fact the females on the scene were bound and
gagged. This reporting liker led to reports, which called the females? deaths the result of an
?honor killing?, as well as a local report that assault force bound and executed the women on the
scene. Deepite what is now believed to be erroneous reporting, there is no evidence that any of
the personnel or the GFC intended to deceive higher headquarters (Exhibits 11, 19).
(2) (unease) The wraps around the dead bodies? heads and toes seemed extremely
unusual to the GFC and allpersonnel; the lack of significant blood pooling, blood
spatter and already pale coloration of some of the female bodies; the identification of possible
different types of wounds on the bodies (possible lacerations, knife wounds, and gunshot
22
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 OTE
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 1545 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
wounds); and the initial opinion of assaulters that the bodies had been dead for at least 12
hours, led the GFC to make his speci?c radio reports (Exhibits 11, 13).
ibii1i1-4?i ibii5)
(4) Some of the discrepancies in the timeline hindered the ability of the
BSD and Incident Response Team to do good consequence management as some of the facts
of the operation were reported at the wrong time or out of order. Trying to make corrections to
the information already provided to the itNFl and Afghan leaders was dif?cult for the BSD and
the Incident Response Team (Exhibits 3, 10).
Q. q. (U/rFeue) Describe the Battie Hand Over which occurred on the
objective; See paragraphs 4.d.(26) -- (30) above.
h. r. (ti/$999) Whether the measures employed during the conduct of this
operation were in accordance with estabiished TTPs, Tacticai Directives, and Rates or
Engagement; After my analysis of the measures employed by the assault force, I ?nd that the
assauit force was in accordance with TTPs, Tactical Directives, and Rules Of Engagement
during this operation.
i. s. Any recommendations, iessons teamed and other matters you deem
reievant to this inquiry. See paragraphs ?e - 6c below.
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AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10
WEB-SAP
ibil1)1.4a
SUBJECT: Armv Regulation 15-6 investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
(bli1l1.4a I on period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
j. t. Did the AF and leadership actions represent Army values? After
an analysis of their actions, I find eachmember acted in accordance with
{bll1l1.4a core values.
6. Recommendations: anmary concern during operations is to reduce
the occurrence of unintended casualties. Other consideraticins include improving consequence
management, reporting and making amends with the locai populace when casualties do occur.
These recommendations attempt to reach these goals.
(WW 431 ibii5i. ibli?liEi
Analysis and review of the tactical situation:
ibli1l1-4ai ibii5l. ibli?liEi
(2) Better integration with Afghans: Our partnership with legitimate Afghan
forces. such as the APU, provides us the best opportunities for accountability and support from
both the BSD and local Afghan authorities.
ibli1l1.4a. (bli?l: ibli?liEl
24
WEI-SAP
AF: 15-6 investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 OM
SUBJECT: Anny Regulation 15?6 investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
minim; Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
(1) (UHFG-U-Q) ?lnforrnation?s Critical Minutet" I {bit1i1.4a
I I The same
concept applies in the information battlespace. In this instance. the desire for quick updates to
the situation led to incomplete or inaccurate information from the ground force to higher
headquarters. Initial reporting invariably has a certain level of inaccuracy because either the
situation has not completely developed or the person reporting it has not yet completely
digested the situation. IJC should have reconized the unusual circumstances of the reporting
and resisted a press release until afte produced a more re?ned report of the situation.
(bli5)
25
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010. (unease)
(bii1l1?431lbll5l.
c. (U) Making Amends with the Local Populace:
(1) (UHFQ-UQ) The fact that the Afghan medical authorities did not conduct an autopsy.
the unlikely ballistics and blood evidence to support the killing of ?ve and wounding of two
people and the fact that ANP did not afford the investigation team an opportunity to talk to the
local doctors casts doubt on the exact cause of the incident.
(2) (UHEQLUQ) The doubt is enough that I do not recommend accepting responsibility for
the deaths of the three females. As previoust stated, I assess the most likely cause of the
incident is "shoot throughs" during the second engagement but maintain the results are
inconclusive.
26
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 DYE
minimal
SUBJECT: Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation into the civilian deaths that occurred on
{blf1l1?4a Ion period of darkness 11-12 February 2010.
(3) (UHF-GHQ) Regardless, I believe that the locals are convinced and will remain
convinced despite any additional empirical or witness derived evidence that the assault force
killed the women. Therefore, I recommend that CF make an appropriate condolence payment
to the famin as a sign of good faith in our sincerity at the seriousness of the incident. and our
hope to move past this incident and build trust with the local populace.
4.
tblt3l? tblt?l
tblt3l1 thtEJ
Investigating Of?cer
2?
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 1D
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS BY OFFICERIBOARD OF OFFICERS
For use of this form. see 15-5; the proponent agency is CHAS-
IF ?93325 IS REQUIRED IN FILUNG PORTION OF THIS FORM. A TTACI-T SHEETS
5531103 I - APPOINTMENT
Why {bitsi {bit?i I
{doom-rm; authe?tji
on 14 FEBRUARY 2010 {Awash tom 1: Letremr?eppemtmmor mas-anew ofomt muf?n-rant data.) (See para 3-15. AR
(Date) 1
section It - sessrorts
Tm camera at FOB GARDEZ, PAKTYA PROVINCE at 002
{Piacei Irma;
on 14 FEBRUARY 2010 (He than one cheeka 1: mare-arena an imam lime-mm been and
ended. the emf?feiim presentation! absent, endesz of absence. Harry.) The fetter-ting perm (members. mm cameo!) were
preset (Weed: ms. iodine? meaty. Wt. Recorder, Member,
Mfdtowing persons (members, ragtime. counsel} Here aheem: {Indu?e ?derptam?o? of east: ebeanee.) {Se-e pares 5-2 and 5-35. AR 15-6.}
The {investigating a?oat] (hoard) ?n'?red mid-M Hide-nee at 23092- cn 37 FEBRUARY 2010
{Tin-.5; (De-re:
are mmpieted ?ndings and mummem?umar 04092 on 1 MARCH 2010
i: one, more}
- CHECKLIST FOR PROCEEDINGS
AL GOMPLETE IN ALL CRSES
Inoto?Ir-es {pare 3-15 AF: 15?5]
Are the ?nite-rm biased and Where-d wWe-U with Rattan ownerals: (AW In (truer listed)
a. The long- of appointment or a summary of ore! aopm'mmerz: date?
. Capyof notioe?to respondent if any-135a: :?fern 9 eeiow}
Shame-5pc:me or counsei, if arty?
All min-?tter: communications to or from the appointhg authority?
. P?emy Ad Sta?emernSICerh?'oate. if statement married My}? .
Expiration by the Investigating of?cer or board of any unusuai delays. dif?coities. irregularities. or other I
summertime (9.9., absorrce afmeteria! sameness? I
g.
it. Any other signi?cant payers. forearm evidence} reiating In administrative aspects oft-1e :nrreetigetio: or board? I
I
malaria
'X'twi?xl.
FGOINCTES: Exp-tam sex-regatta? ensure-'5 man attested meet.
a! Useou?b?rewn mime commutes a metre representatim mature memes Where-Wm eternal act-w mmtsinw?fgetrbn
or board
DA FORM 1553. EAR 1983 0? NOV ?7 's OBSOLETE. earn cram APB PE v? 23
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Pektya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 DYE
s'ruo? NA
2 Exlu'hits any: 3-16. AR 15-6)
a. Are all m: o?amd Merchant receives? or mmidared as Bridal-acre individuain numberezi or tattered as
exin'bita and attached to this rat-mt?
b. is an Ina: ?ail un?t: altered ta or mnsidamd by investigating of?cer 3r board attached ?rst exhibit?
a. Hasme a! each bean recanted Martin neen reduced ta amt-ten may: and anaemia as
an exhibit?
d. Are WDEBS, or depictians WSW airmail Evidence; property euthanticated and is
the titration of the original evidence indicated?
a. Are diagrams. included at iccations visited try the inuea?'gating amber ul' heard {Dam 35b. AR 756}?
f. is each written stipulation attached as an exhibit and is each era! stinUIation either reduced to Writing and madn an
exhibitorramrdad in a verbatim record?
9. if Mi m?ae of any Miter was [when wet :he at a respondent mum. is. a statement at" the matter
aim of?cial na?aawss WW3: an emihit [para 3?1051 AR 15-5}?
Was a Man preaentwhan the beard voted on ?ndings and mmdations {paras 4-1 and 52a, ts-EP
. COMPLETE ONLY FOR FORMAL BOARD (Chapi?Br 5, AR 15-6}
Aim did the WW. arm thatati panicipar?s had read. the ie?erot'appeirr?mtatt {para 5-3). 15-5}?
W353 mamztevery swim DI the. board 52b, AR 3'55}?
Was east: awn-Huber min-petty med {911523. .29 7555}?
We WW cam. and interpreter swam, Effm'rta? {para 3-1 AR I
if any mam who voted on times.- or mmewiations were not present when the beard some madame.
ride-as Emir-mum Items-mum We: {pews-2d.
. FF RESPONDENT WAS DESFGIMATED {TS-action ii, 5, RR
Mica tax rap-awaits team 5-5 75-5]:
3. i; the method 2rd date mW?m?m?o??
it Was the date at de?uery at teast ?ve wining day's mix to the. that sesa'aan of the bcard?
c. Dues-Bad"! iatiierof {rati?cation indicai?
the data. hour. and piace crime ?rst session at the board warning that respondent?
the inner to be Investigated. inc!qu sag-aci?c anega?liam against the respcn?e?t. ifamr?
(3) the rasaondam's rights with regard to counsel?
the name and address of each ?tness exp-Eated be nailed by the Witter?
I the respomtent?s rights is be aresent. present Etridm. and can mam-5&5"
1 Was the respondent ?uids-d a com.- af all undassi?ed mm in the. case He?
9 It then: were relevant dassi?ed Matias. were the WI and his mmset given access anti an oppor?tmrt?; tr: examine them?
10 if any was designated after [he proceedings began {anathema-r55 was absent during par? of the pracaedings}:
a Washemna?wrn??ed
b. Was new at meetings and evidence remit-vet! in his absence made madam far examination by him and his mum}?! rams-tam
:1 Cat-inset than 5-6, AR 15-5}:
3. Was each reaper?ent by courts-at?
Name and business enuress of ccunsai?momma-mm
?in
(Emisaiamr: macknera: :i
It. Was made-M?s :cunsai pres-ant stall mum of the beard mast-1910 that respondent? i I
c. af?aaraquastandtha - -
antic: mum on it in?ude? Kathe nepu? mar: 5-60. AR 15-6)? -
:2 Irina chant-ware tetra! advisorme voting member for lack arimparttaiity gram AR r55}:
3. Wasthechaiiengepmpe?y dimiad and Muhammch
b. Did each member mug-need mass to participate in me panacea-dings?
'13 Was this msponrtent-given 3r: enmity-tau (par? 53:. AR 15-6};
. Ee Dresem with his trauma! at all open mantra; cf the board deal with any matter which WW5. that reapmda?t??
Examine and. objenttc the of rest and documentary e?denze. incisrciing written statements?
. Db?ectm the 5231mm amt cross-?aming? witnesses cthar tt-arr iris awn?
Catt witnesses and Omar-Rise titted-m evidence?
. Testify as a witness?
f. Rhine or hmhis Masai make a ?nal statement argument (para 59. 31.5: 15?65?
14 FE mm, {Ed the writer assist the in obtaining aide-nae In possessm of the Gavemmant and in
arranging fur the presence of?ine-am {pal-a AR 155;?
ream I
indumorexi?bittoit $545}? -
JTNOTEs. 3 Expth a?mga?wanmm or: an mm?tedsheer.
ma?a-m
Eweafgrerw. autumn
WW .
Pagezwdpagea. $574!, 198:3 AFD Panza
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 WE
I SECTION IV - FINDINGS {para 346-. AR 15-5}
is o??icer} {board} . having carefully considered the evidence. finds:
5r MEMO A SUBJECT EM or -mv 15-5 tmm?rmnm 15.1%: ?rm-1 mm Dams THAT occmm
vb 1 L43 mormmass 11-12 3233ch 25m-
semen - REGMHENDAHOHS {53:2- 3-: 1. AR 1545)
In view cf the ahuve ?ndings. the (investigating m?cerj {board} recommends:
I SEE M5150 WITH A SUBJECT LINE OF- 15-6 INTO THE DEATHS THAT 0N 1 1 .43
1m 05 DARKNESS II-I2 FEBRUARY 3010'
$599 3 orcpagss, GA Form 15M, Mar 1933 APE) p5 1.1.21:
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 080
semen In (para 3-H. AR 155,5
13 REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE. {if any voting member or?ie recorder fan's to here or in 39339:?
udow. harm the new in me space where h's 519nm mama appear.)
{Dim}.
{Invesia'gatf?g 0:35cm {Pm-369%
{Mg-mng {Member}
V11 - REPURT (Par? 3-73. ?In 7-5-5}
TD the extent indicated in Indiaer . the undersigned no: Gonaur in the ?ndings and recommendations 0? the ba?ard.
{In the Wm. Why number each ?ndhg in whit?! the dissenting membarfaz dofes) not com Sta-ta 3:9
mm far Went. Addi?m??ubs?uie Wings andbr remmenda?ons may be hidde in the indicative.)
{Max:3er {may}
SECTION - ACTION BY APWHTING AUTHORITY {?are 2-3. 1'55}
The ?ndings and of the finve?fga?ng of?cer} {beard} are {appmvec? (disapproved) {appmved with foiiovdng exceptional
substitutions}. fifths amm?ng au?b?arisr rerurns aha proceedings to the ma?ga?ng wiser or board for fur?erpmceedm? or
mm actian. attach that commandmce {or a summary, if my} as a numbmd
See attached memorandum, "Approval of AR 15-6 Investigation ICOI dated 2 March 2010
(DES). ?33(5)
Page 4 on: pages. DA Pom: 15M. Mar-1933 mag FE w- an
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 081
FromSUBJ: SUMMARIES OF INFORMATION GATHERED DURINGI ISITE VISIT On
AND INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED ON
IDIIEI.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 082
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXHIBIT 00 Basic Documents
A- DA 1574
3. AR 15-6 Investigation Memo
EXHIBIT 01 Aggofntment Orders
A. Appointment Memo
EXHIBIT 02 Key FAX, Terms and
A. Key Personnel
3. Family Tree
C. Key Terms
EXHIBIT 03 Seguence of Events
A. Time Line
8. Sequence of Events
EXHIBIT 04 Seguence of Events Graghic Regresentg?gn
A. Sequence of Events (graphic representation}
EXHIBIT 05 - me
A. Bombay Conop
EXHIBIT 06 JOC LOG I
A. JOC Log
EXHIBIT 07 efI
A. CLAMSHELL
EXHIBIT 03 - Mail!
A. SSE Report
EXHIBIT 09
A. EXSUM- 11 FEB 10
EXHIBIT 10 SgecIaI Stag: Board
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10
083
A. SPECIAL STORYBOARD 11 FEB 10
EXHIBIT 1'1 Witness Statements
A. APU STATEMENTS
A1. APU #1 Statement
A2. APU #2 (P61) Statements
A3. APU #2 (P62) Statements
A4. APU #3 Statements
A5. APU #4 Statements
A6. APU #5 Statements
A7. APU #8 [page 1) Statements
A8. APU #3 (Page 2) Statements
A91 [12 Feb 10}
A10. APU Statement ontEnglish Translation}
B. Gardez Statements
81 (bus). (one) tatements
BZite Visit Statements
B3.Interview of Sham Sadin
Brittatement
BS tatements
B6)Statements
Batatements
BS. Statements
B?ttatements
Blatatements
311.5tatements
Bltatements
313 Statements
314. Statement Summaries
5-
C1. .. tatement
C2.tatement
C3 tatement
D. tatements
DStatement
DZ tatement
Di?tatement
atement
D?t?statement
D?tatement
D7 tatement
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
JISI. tatement
D9. {one}, (one; Statement
Dll. (bust {mtg Statement
EXHIBIT 12 ootae
A.
EXHIBIT 13 - Pictures
A: 1-121 Gardez photos
8: 14 Feb Visit to Site
C: 8H0 Pictures
D: SSE Additional Photos
E: SSE PHOTOS
F: SSE Video on Target
EXHIBIT 14 Detainee StatemEn ts
gusts-impose?
5164101
5164102
5164197
516420C
5164195
Sl??lg?
516?193
5164199
EXHIBIT 15 - Information Damion
SI
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
2010-02-CA?054-Joint force operating in Gardez makes gruesome discovery
100216 - Detainee Release IO Message with Pashto Translation
100217 - Draft IO Message of Condolences regarding
(Word Doc)
10021? - Draft IO Message of Condolences regardingwith Pashto Translation
(PDF)
con Re?ned for Release of Detainees
IJC PRESS RELEASE #054_ Joint force operating in Gardez makes gruesome discovery
{Emails}
with Pashto Translation
085
ISAF-MOI Investigation into Paktiya Incident (UNCLASSIFIED)
Fw Follow Up KLE's
?0??1?43 Mitigation a. 2nd ABP Update (seem)
Gardez incident news clips
REL - 11 FEB 10
UC PRESS RELEASE #054_ Joint force operating in Gardez makes gruesome discovery
(UNCLASSIFIED)
M. Interview with the detainees
N. iSAF-iviOl condemns distoverv in Paktiva (UNCLASSIFIED)
0 Latest and Greatest
P. NIPR docs
o. AAR slide
R. PAKTYA-IZ Feb 10 PRESS RELEASE
5. Post Obj Mitigation 11 FEB 10 - (Paktya}{Gardez}
T.
V.
W.
X.
Y.
riser-.193
Public Health Interview
REF CIVCAS crisis mitigation
Phone Number
Post Objective, 11 - 12 FEB 2010, Gardez District of Paktya Province
Press Releases for 12 Feb 10
Two embargoed RIAB Messages on
EXHIBIT 16 - Night}! SITREPS
ldFEBlCl
AR 15-6 SITREP
1R 15-6 SITREP
15-6 SITREP
19FEBIO 1R 15-6 SITREP
Another Initial Report frOm ANP 0
Another 17FE310AR 15-15 SITREP
Explanation on additional turnover of detainee stuf-f
FWMitigatlon a 2nd ABP Update
Gardez PRT 17FEB SITREP
(bii1)1.4a
AR 15-5 SITREP
AR 15-5 Nighth SITREP
1.. 17FEBIO AR 15-5 SITREP
M. Initial Report from ANP on
N. IIO UPDATE FOR 1411 FEB 10
ecceewoenee
EXHIBIT 1? ?Shura Summing
A. Feb 13 Shura Summary
EXHIBIT 18 Audt'o Transcriigt
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
086
A. Transcript from Audio Device of unwitting We in rm 2A, 35
EXHIBIT 13 Radio Comms
21- Radio Comms
EXHIBIT 20- of IntemIEWs
A. (ummary of Interviews 27FEBIO
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 1D
08?
HEADQUARTERS
EAGRAM. AFGHANISTAN
13 February 2010
MEMORANDW FORI (bits). {bile-l
SUBJECT: Appointment as Investigating Of?cer (UHF-999)
I. {-Sali?EE-l: {Suit-F) Appointment. You are hereby appointed as an investigating of?cer pursuant
to AR 15?6 to conduct an inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding the eitecuti on of
the Task Force Operation intol vicinity of Gardez District, Afghanistan on
11-12 February 2010.
2. You are to lead thel {blinttalinvestigating team consisting of yourself,
I (nits). (nits) Imemher), and] (bits) designated member of
theI It is im critch that this investigation be
conducted in full coOrdination and collaboration withm and the
representatives. This investigation is your primary duty and takm precedence over all other
assigned duties.
3. (WE-912519) Legal Orientation. Before you begin your inquiry, you will consult with the Task
{one}. (one) He will serve as your legal adviser
during the inquiry.
4. aim-?1719) Procedures. You are to conduct this invesrigation using the informal procedures
outlined in Chapter 4, AR 15-6. You are to thoroughly doctunent all 1Livitness intonriews in
writing. DA Form 2823s, or appropriate Sworn Statements, must be used if at all possible. If at
any time during interviews or collection of statements you suspect misconduct, you must
immediately advise that individual of his or her rights by executing a DA Form 383i or
appropriate Rights Warning Certi?cate, before you continue. Consult your legal adviser prior to
advising anyone of his or her rights.
5. Report of Investigation. Speci?cally, your inquiry shall address the
following:
a. (WEB-99) The detailed facts and circumstances surrounding the conduct of the
operation and all follow-on actions in mitigation, coordination, and assistance;
b. Describe the methods used to gain entry into targeted compounds and
structures during the mission and their effectiveness;
c. (UHF-GHQ) The nature and extent of any injuries or casualties encountered upon, or as a
result of, the conduct of this operation and include any subsequent medical care o?crcd,
provided andfor declined;
AH 15-5 Investigation of Garcia-z District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
0. (SW Did any element oi-g - eliberatelv deceive the Conunander
Mont the or events of
SUBJECT: Appointrnent as Investigating Of?cer
d. Whether the employment of force by each element was a result of a
demonstration of hostile intent, hostile act, or imminent threat;
e. Whether the amount of force used in each case was necessary and
proportional under the circumstances;
f. What, if any, steps were taken to escalate andfor deescalate the use of
force for any engagements;
g. Provide assessment for cause of death of deceased Local National females
and is it consistent with the reports to
h. 68% {8153-} Describe the circumstances that led the Assault Force (AP) to claim that
the female Local Nationals were killed?
i. did the Ground Force Commander (GFC) not report similar cultural
custom preparatiOns of the male EKIA to those reported for the deceased Local National
females?
j. Determine the reason for discrepancies between the Assault Force
description of the status of the deceased Local Na?Onal females and what the SSE photos depict?
k. Did the Assault Force use appropriate tie-escalation Tactics, Techniques,
and Procedures to includel Ispeci?cally for Tactical
Call-Outs?
l. Who conducted the Tactical Call-Outs (TCOs), what was the location of
the individuals conducting TCOs relative to occupants of the targeted compounds, and was it
reasonable to assume TCOs could he heard by occupants?
m. {Emil-El: The SSE photos of the deceased Local National females depict relatively
recent wounds to include non-coagulated and or dry blood estimate the time of mi tn-ies
sustained relative to the engagement of the military aged males.
n- The GE reported via Radio Telephone that the deceased Local National
females appeared to have been killed approximately 12-48 hours prior to actions on the
objective, yet the remains were collocated with and based upon SSE photos, had what
appeared to be similar wounds relative to the time of sustainment. \Vhat led the GFC to make
statements contrary to SSE photo depictions was this an attempt to deceive?
strum
p. (-ShiihBL?I-Sz?cF-?? Describe how the AF utilized the APU during this mission;
q. (UIIFQUQ) Describe the Battle Hand Over (BHO) which occurred on the objective;
\Ll'f'l'3?7 '5113 "I'l'kiL
4 I -
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gerda-z District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 089
11.43
SUBJECT: Appointment as Investigating Of?cer
r. (U {fl-3996) Whether the measures employed during the conduct of this operation were in
accordance with established T'l'Ps, Tactical Directives, and Rules Of Engagement; and
s. (UHF-GHQ) Any recommendations, lessons learned and other matters you deem relevant
to this inquiry.
t. Did the AP and leadership actions represent Anny values?
6. I ask you to pay particular attention to the battle?eld geometry as it relates to
actions on the objective. This should include the known positions of friendly personnel as well
as an known andfor suspected positions of combatants and noncombatants. This will assist the
in deveIOping lessons we can learn and promulgate throughout the
greater Coaltion Force.
7. You will provide an interim report of your progress to me NLT 15 February
2010 and be prepared to provide any necessary follow-on reports as necessary. This report will
classi?ed at the ISAF level.
8. You are to submit your ?ndings and recommendations on a DA Form
1574 through your legal adviser to me with all attached exhibits no labor than 19 February 2010.
Ensure you: investigation report, to include exhibits and attachinents, is properly classi?ed and
contains the proper classification markings throughout. You are to produce your report at 1the
SECRETIIREL level. If any exhibits centain classi?ed Focal Pointf/ACCM material, those
should be redacted to achieve a classification no higher than SECRETHREL ISAF level prior to
inclusion in the report. You are authorized to produce an additional, separate report at a higher
classification level should you desire to do so or deem it necessary. Contact your legal adviser if
you have any Questions. Submit any requests for modi?cation of this requirement, your suSpense,
or the scope of your investigation to me, through your legal adviser.
(bli?l
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gertie-z District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
090
KEY TERMS
AAF-Anti-Afghan Forces
ANP-Afghan National Police
ANSF-Afghan National Security Forces
APU-Afghan Partner Unit
BCT-Brigade Combat Team
BHO-Battle Handover
BSD-Battlespace Owner
Evacuation
CF-Coalition Forces
of the Operation
GFC-Ground Force Commander
GlRoA-Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
HCH-High-Con?dence Hit
HTF-Human Terrain Team
Joint Command
lO-lnformation Operations
order to
tSAF-tnte rnational Security Assistance Force
ISFt-Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconaissance
Leader Engagement
JOC-Joint Operations Center
Cover and Concealment
Enforcement Professional
LN-Local National
MAM-Military-Aged Male
MDMP-Militarv Decision Making Process
of Interior
NOS?National Directorate of Security
ng Sign i?ca nt to Report
DCG-Operations Control Group
PAD-Public Affairs Uf?ceh)
PHQ?Police Headquarters
PL-Platoon Leader
POL-Pattern of Life
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
091
PRT-Provincial Reconstruction Team
QRF-Quick Reaction Force
RFl-Req meet for Information
uad Automatic Weapon
SI-Special Intelligence
SHOT-Sniper and Observation Team
SSE-Sensitive Site Exploitation
TB-Taliban
TCO-Tactical Callout
TI-Targeted Individual
TQ?Tacticai Questioning
TEE-Tactical Site Exploitation
TST-Tirne-Sensitive Target
UlM-Unidenti?ed Male
UNS-Universal Night Scope
Forces-Afghanistan
VBIED-Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device
Order
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
092
I I
It was made- ctentiai TG-T name and Grid locatien
(bli1i1-4?. {103(5)
?03(131?43 CGU CDNOP was sentt 1 1.421 rf?urther distribution
nal CONOP Was Sahmitted
Fuller was briefed and DECON was co ete with concurrence
EKIA from 34 in
MAM exit bid 34 and the EKIA and Altith back into hi 34' this MAM was not
EMA from 34
bodies with toes tied and heads wra
EWIA faund in 35
ries elem ound secure' SSE: 3x Ali-47 7 renade 2 RPG motors 1 chestrac 3 nade fuse
linked with BH-D eternth
corn ed BHO
tan-essential conducted RW exfii
1 1 and 1 11 remain on target; link-up with [-380 forces to execute conducted Share with local leadership; met with
I GEN Wardak on ta et
inder of AF 1 1.43
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10 093
[mun-4a VFINAL ROLL-UP 11 FEB 10
Roll-up:
34: 6/3/4/6, 3 LN female bodies, 2 EKIA, 4x detainees
35: 32/5/6/16, 2 EWIA, 4 detainees
TOTAL: 38l8l10/22. 3 LN female bodies, 2 EKIA, 2 EWIA,
8 detainees
SSE:
3 AK-47s
12 magazines
7 frag grenades
2 RPG Motors
1 chest rack
3 grenade fuses
WW
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation 12 Feb 10 094
13-711 1543 Investigation of Garcia: District Paktva Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 095
AH 1543 Investigation of Gerdez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 095
CHALK LOAD
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AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 09?
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Post Operation 10 and Mitiqation
Gardez Districtiaktva Provincel {bJI1)1.4a
The atmospherics for Paktya Province:
WIDE) I {3.1.1.1213 i?iil?tl?ii
RURAL MALES 40%
RURAL FEMALEs 22% MW
LITERATE (URBAN Stigma-?
31% R2
views TB As ENEMY 55%
viEws Ao As ENEMY 50%
VIEWS USA As ENEMY 25%
ACCESS To TELEPHONE 50%
ACCESS To more 100%
STATES FAMILY FINANCES
BETTER THAN LAST YEAR 19%
GOV: Juma Khan Hamdard, former gov of Balkh and Jowzjan provinces, former Hi6,
fought against TB in '94, then helped TB in ?97
Tribal Confederation: Pashtun
Area Tribe: Zadran Ghilzai - Resides in the Zadran. Shwak, and Zurmat districts of Paktia.
Jalaiuddin Haqqani is an influential member of the Zadran tribe. The Zadran also live in
and Paktika provinces. Zadran are historically anti-CF and the tribe of the Haqqanis.
Rivals with the Tani tripe. One described them as ?great robbers? and ?utter savages"
and that their country was formerly a refuge for bad characters.
350:
PRT: Gardez (US)
POST OBJECTIVE IO THEMES AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATION
These taiking points and civit affairs recommendations are provided for discussion with ofticiats and non-media
trey con-imitnicators. They are not intended for media engagements or discussions With U. S. audiences. Seek
guidance from PAD personnei prior to any discussions with media representatives.
OPERATIONAL CONTEXT: TI is a Taliban weapons facilitator operating in Gardez District, Paktya
Province. In addition to weapons Tl has been involved in planning VBIED attacks as
well as an attack on the Mumtaz Hotel in Kabul City, Kabul Province. Tl also maintains contact
with multiple TB CDRs and in southern Paktya.
FACTUAL STATEMENT: A partnered Afghan and Coalition AF conducted a combined operation
in Gardez District against a TB sub?Commander. The AF conducted a peaceful callout prior to
attempting to enter the building. Shots were fired when two with weapons displayed hostile
intent resulting in 2 and 2 EWIA. 8 detainees were taken off of the objective and 3 LN
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District ?Erovince Operation, 155913 at} 482
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE
Afghan-International Security Force are Conducting a Joint
Investigation into Incident in Paktiya
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 12) The Interior Ministry and the International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF) are conducting a joint investigation in the
incident in Paktiya province in the Gardez district near the village of
Khatabeh today. A joint Afghan-international security force found the bound
and gagged bodies of two women and dead bodies of two men in a
compound during an operation last night.
continually works with our Afghan partners to ?ght criminals and
terrorists who do not care about the life of civilians. The Interior Ministry of
Afghanistan has sent a high ranking delegation today to jointly investigate
this incident. We will fully in this joint investigation and provide
any assistance the Interior Ministry requires," said Brig. Gen. Eric Tremblay,
ISAF Spokesperson.
The joint force went to a compound, after intelligence con?rmed militant
activity. Several insurgents engaged the joint force in a fire ?ght and were
killed. Subsequently, a large number of men, women, and children exited
the compound. Eight men were detained for further questioning.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 483
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NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
For Immediate Release
Joint force operating in Gardez makes gruesome discovery
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 12} An Afghan-international security force found the
bound and gagged bodies of three women during an operation in the Gardez district,
Paktiya province last night.
The joint force went to a compound near the village of Khatabeh, after intelligence
con?rmed militant activity. Several insurgents engaged thejoint force in a ?re ?ght and
were killed. Subsequently, a large number of men, women, and children exited the
compound, and were detained by the ioint force. When the joint force entered the
compound they conducted a thorough search of the area. and found the bodies of three
women who had been tied up, gagged and killed. The bodies had been hidden in an
adiacent room.
The joint force immediately secured the area and requested expert medical support
and will conduct a joint forensic investigation.
Eight men were detained for further questioning.
-30-
DC Public Affairs Office
IJC Public Affairs Of?ce - Operates 24 hours a day
Primary Tel: From Afghanistan W9 951 3999 if wait for voice prompt} or dial
(no 1 13 2000 [wait for dial tone) 318-449-9244/9 153f9154
From outside Afghanistan +93 799 51 3999 (wait for voice prompt) 688-444U4447
E?Mail: or MMQW
Website: Wmt??i
Notes for Editors:
1. The latest High Resolution stills can be downloaded for news purposes here
2. Visit us on the Web at ISAFmedia.com or on Twiggeg, Facebogk?, You'rube. Flickr or gluing
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 485
From:
To:
Cc:
lbll1l1-431 lbll3}. lbll?l
Subject: con Re?ned for Release of Detainea?m?
Date: Sunday, Febmarv 14, 201.0 15:01:00
Caveats: No Caveat
inst relayed the following tat 1920 hours local:
- Next meeting with 86 Bowes at 2000.
- Per agreement between LTG Yarman and BG Bowes for pax will be present for handoff of
prisoners from coalition custody to afghan custody at Go-ode L2, LTG V'arman,
Parliamentarian Wardagj DG Mangai, MG Fatah
- BG Bowes feels last coalition involvement in the process may be by him at Goode. All
further actionsl Iwill be handled by and ANSF [202
Zonet
Other evolving cletails per 36 Bowes:
-
- Press, family, elders would receive prisoners from 202nd Zone at ZHQ.
Next conversation between 86 Bowes and LTG Yarman will be later tonight. MTF after that call.
Weather impact on air movement is TBD. Might cause delivery time to shift right. WITH 3
(annual ps will continue to coordinate air movement and backward planning timeline wita
ps. pax participation in movement to Sharona for detainees pick up is confirmed.
lbll1l1-4?. lbll3l1 lbll?l
lbll1l1-4a. I
From: I
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
486
Sent: Sundav. Februarv 14. 2010 6:16 PM
lbll1l1.4a. (bll3l.
Subject: RE: coa Development reference Release of Detainea foreseea?
Importance: High
Sir? We just left MG Fatah?s of?ce after 3 hours with him. We didn?t really discuss anything about
the Minvestigation etc, but he did mention to us at the end that the people of Gardez
were promised that the detainees would be released tomorrow. He said that CFs had already
made the agreement and he made it sound as if an announcement had already been made. I
briefly mentioned the weather and the possibilityr that this could ca use problems for aviation and
he stated that the CFs already promised their release to the people. ljust hope the weather
doesn?t interfere and the promise is a good one.
lbll1l1-4a1lbll3l.
From:l (munaa. (one). {bli?l I
Sent: Sundav. Februarv 14. 2010 5:07 PM
(bliSJ. ibli?l
Subject: COA Development reference Release of
Classi?cationz-SEGFEHL
Caveats: No Caveat
Thank you tor the reiteration.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 487
Reminderfor discussion ref MG Fatah and Zone involvement this morning was as a con.
Final decision is TBD based on 36 Bowes and LTG Yarman?s decision. As I just briefed DG Mangal
doesn't see them being part of the transfer. After I?m able to talk with 36 Bowes and
we will finalize the plan. Time T89.
is there any guidance from higher on timing of announcement of the release once we determine
who will be involved? We will need to mitigate potential crowdx?riot concerns in downtown
Gardez. I would prefer hold off on a public announcement until after the actual hand
over. Thoughts or guidance from higher on this? NOTE: have not asked about timing
of an announcement yet because I haven?t told them the prisoners were being released. 1 have
only said we are working on it.
(bli1l1-4a. ibil3). (bliEl
From: (bil?i
Rent: Sundau. Fehmarv 14. 2010 3:48 PM
ibli1i1.4a. (bilSL ibliB)
Subject: RE: 505th Zone at Potential Release of Detainees (Gian-Eli)
Classi?cation:
Caveats: No Caveat
No. They will be reieased.
Airborne!
I (bits). (bits)
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
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From:l {bit3}. (one)
Sent: Sundav. Februarv 14. 2010 3:1? PM
(bli1l1-4?r lbii5l
ubject: 505th zone a Potential Release of DetalneesbeEHEli)
Classi?cation:
Caveats: No Caveat
(D i3 . (blisl
Great point I concern. My impression from my conversations last night withs that the
detainees. are de?nitely going to be released ands just waiting for us to let
them know the time-line [timeline determination will be based on information gathered
(no 86 Bowes during oftime of this email we are still waiting for them to
That said,l (bite). (bits) I Is there ANY chance the
detainees won?t be released? We will work the details of where the aircraft fly for pick up {liker
Geode then and then were we return the detainiee?s to based on the results of the
todav and how the ANSF and want to move iorwa rd on the release {as we discussed
last night].
Please let us know about certainty of release and we will provide details ofthe plan
ibll1l1.4a. 033(3). (hilt?)
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 489
lbll?l
Fromzl ibil1i1.4a. (bus). (bus) I
anf: ?nnriav. 14. 2010 2:39 PM
(bll1l1-4?r (bll3lr {bll?l
Subject: Potential Relase of Detainees
Importance: High
Sir? Reference the potential release of the detainees tomorrow, I discussed some concerns with
your Battle Captain this morning as well as the Ops NCO for th told them that I cannot
effectively approach MG Fatah about this until the approval for release has been con?rmed and
flight information is available. We cannot take the chance that the will not be given to
release the detainees tomorrow which would cause us to lose all credibility with the Zone, the
tribal elders and Shura members; especially at this point in time. Thus. until I am certain it is a go, I
will not talk to him about supporting the releaSe but will do so immediater upon approval. Lastly,
WE
{bli1l1-4a. lbll3l. (ONE)
Classi?catioan-EEREF
Caveats: No Caveat
Classi?cations-SEEM?
Caveats: No Caveat
Caveats: No Caveat
Caveats: No Caveat
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
490
From:
TD: {bii1i1-4a. 020(3). {bile-i
Cc:
Subject Fw: IJC PRESS RELEASE #054: Joint farce operating In Gardez maka gruesome discovery (UNCLASSIFIED)
Attachments: 0 ?1 2?CA?i354-Join? to ino in Ga ome discove
Here is the initial press release.
From: {him {one
Sent: Friday, Februaryr 12, 2010 10:0? AM
To: DC Media Operations
Subject: DC PRESS RELEASE #054: Joint force operating in Gardez maka gruesome diSCoverv
(UNCLASSIFIED)
Classi?cation: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
2010-02-CA-054
For Immediate Release
3?0th force operating in Gardez makes gruesome discovery
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 12) - on Afghan-international security forca found the bound and
gagged bodies of three women during an operation in the Gardez district, Paktiva province last night.
The joint force went to a compound near the village of Khatabeh, after intelligence con?rmed
militant activity. Several insurgents engaged the joint force in a ?re ?ght and were killed.
Subsequently, a large number of men, women, and children exited the compound, and were detained
by the joint force. When the joint force entered the compoUnd they conducted a thorough search of
the area, and found the bodies of three women who had been tied up, gagged and killed. The bodies
had been hidden in an adjacent room.
The joint force immediately secured the area and requested expert medical support and wili
conduct a joint forensic investigation.
Eight men were detained for further questioning.
-30-
w?r
ibii3i. {bil?i
Classi?cation: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 491
From:
Tm {bii3). {bil?l
Cc:
Subject: FW: ISAF-MOI Investigation into Pattiva Incident
Gentlemen,
Here is one of the iniljal press releases from ISAF.
(bits)
Message-"n
From: ISAF NU HQ PRESSOFFICE
Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 1:06 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: ISAF-MOI RELEASE-004-ISAF-MOI Investigation into Paktiva Incident (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classi?cation: NATOIISAF UNCLASSIFIED
SirlMa'am,
Please see the joint MOI-ISAF press reiease below.
2009-09-CA-02-004
Afghan-International Security Force are Ednducting a Joint Investigation into Incident in Paktiva
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 12) The Interior Ministry and the International Security Assistance Force
(ISAF) are conducting a joint investigation In the incident in Paktiya province in the Gardez district near
the village of Khatabeh today. A joint Afghan-intemational security force found the bound and gagged
bodies of two women and dead bodies of two men in a compound during an operation last night.
continually works with oUr Afghan partners to ?ght criminals and terrorists who do not care about
the life of civilians. The Interior Ministry of Afghanistan has sent a high ranking delegation today to
jointly invatigate this incident. We will cooperate fully in this joint investigation and provide any
assis'lance the Interior Ministry requires,? said Brig. Gen. Ertc Tremblav, ISAF Spokesperson.
The joint force went to a compound, after intelligence con?rmed militant activity. Several insurgents
engaged the taint force in a ?re ?ght and were killed. Subsequently, a large number of men, women,
and children exited the compound. Eight men were detained for further questioning.
Afghan and international seCurity forces work toged'ier to eliminate the insurgents and terrorist threats
and to ensure the safety and well-being of the Afghan people.
.6115.
Ministry of Interior, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Directorate of Media and Public Relations, of?ce
telephone:
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gerda-z District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 492
ISAF Public Affairs O??ice
Primary
Mobile:
{bits}
E-mail: ,f USFOR-A-
Website: wwnatoint?saf mite:
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
493
From:
To:
Cc: lbll1l1.4a.
Subject: Fw: Follow Up
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2010 16:44:31
Gentlemen, as requested, beiow is the latest update thatl {bil?l Ion the
atmospherics in Gardet right now and othertopics related It?s pretty
comprehensive and I think it will tell you what you need to know. This email was sent two days ago,
the last day thatconducted KLEs. But he has several more meetings planned with tribal
and government leaders over the course of the next two days. More to follow from that. Thank
vou.
?v'erv respectfully,
(blli H.431 {bli3l1 {bile-l
From: (ails). (bills) I
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 8:34 PM
(bililida. lbll3l1 {bll?l
Subject: [minute IFOIIOW Up 16FEBIU
Classi?oation:
Caveats: No Caveat
Sir,
We returned around 1830 following two of the four planned We?ve arranged to meet with
DG Mangal and NDS tomorrow afternoon.
56 Wardak only Deestiger got called away and was not present]
- Said he made 3-4 visits with the fa mill; and provided $6,000 of a total of $10,000 that the
AUP will provide them. During visits AUP delivered oil, rice, fuel, and other items for the
home
- The sentiment of the people and family is good and getting better dailv. All of the
problems the first day were due to two former Gitmo detainees who were instigating
problems with the assembled crowds. 52 will follow up reference the names and
background en the alleged instigators.
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 494
I (one) of two dead males, Dawoud and Zahir, and patriarch of family}
told the family "the incident is over, it is time to put water on the ?heat? and calm the
people down?.
Release of the detainees and return of the weapOns yesterday, was good? and
is known province wide.
Reference the alleged stolen money, 36 Wardak said don?t think he would have that
much money in his house, and if he did, we need to ask where he got it.? I thought this was
an interesting turn of events, given didn?t say anything about money until
I was on the objective for well over an hour. He only mentioned the theft of money after
he went into a room by himself with 86 Wardak. When they came out, he started claiming
to me that the coalition stole his money.
The AUP has arranged to pay Dawoud?s AUP salary tofor the rest ofthe
life. This was confirmed {one} I PHD. is working with (since
to try and do the same with Zahir?s (other dead male) prosecutor pay.
Both 36 Wardak and MG Fatah indicated that they offered the remaining a job
with the AU P. They are doing that IOT prevent him from siding with the AAF who are
actively recruiting him following
When asked what to do next he said
0
{bll1ll44?. ileSJ
MG Fatah
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
Reiterated comments by LTG Yarman reference the family going to Kabul to meet with (SEN
(i assume he gotthis from LTG Yarman who stayed on the ZHQ compound
while he was in Gardez}.
LTG Yarman called while we were with MG Fatah and reiterated his comments from
yesterday. He cen?rmed that he arrived back in Kabul and asked that we call 36 Bowes so
the two of them can link up. We will pass the message later tonight and then get out of the
middle of their communications since BG Bowes is no longer co-located with us atma
MG Fatah said he clearly understands the difference between coalition forces in Paktya
and But he is concerned the bad deeds of the few may ruin the "good work the other
100,000 are doing?.
11 children were orphaned as a result of the operation. 6 children orphaned by the death
of Zahir and his wife. 5 children were orphaned by the detention ofwho was
released yesterday] and the death of his wife.
It is interesting to note that MG Fatah is VERY sympathetic to all claims by the family and
the villagers. For example he told me Dawoud and Zahir would have lived if they were
allowed to go to the hospital but the special forces would n?t let them go.
MG Fatah said he had three meetings with the family so far and that he should be the
495
Fram: at"
To:
Subject Fw Mitigation a: 2nd ABP Update-{SEE-
Date: Sunday, February 14, 2010 04:11:33
Importance: High
CLASSIFICATION-SW
CAVEATS: NONE
TERMS: NONE
ibii1i1?4?i ibii33. ibii?i
ibii1i1.4a. ibiiSJ. ibii?i
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 3:36 AM
To: AF Commander
Subject: FW: Mitigation St 2nd ABP Update
Importance: High
environmentals from an interview with MG Fatah, the PC of the 505?? Zone.
itii3i1 {bi 5)
u?un- .-
From: ibit1i1l4?. (bii3ii {bii?i I
Sent: Saturday, 13. 201D 2:02 PM
ibii1 )1-43. ibii?i
Subject: ibii1g1.4a Discussion with 505th Zone AUP
Importance: High
ALCO M:
We met with MG Fatah this moming and discussed the ongoing investigation into the results of the
operation yesterday. We discussed their investigation, temperament and mood of
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 495
the populace, etc.
MG Fatah informed us that all the local elders, populace, leaders from Kabul are very concerned
with the killing of the innocent women and the way in which the operation was executed without
the use of the AUP or ANA from the Gardez Area. The local populace blames CFs for the
unwarranted and unlawful killing of the these civilians and are especially concerned with the death
of the women {one of whom was 9 months pregnant}. The locals do not trust CFs or the GIROA to
protect human rights since they cannot even protect women which makes the Taliban no worse
than us. There are a lot of negative feelings especially since they feel that they were deceived and
that the Coalition Forces lied to try and cover up their killing ofthe women by saying that CF found
the bodies of the women tied up when in fact, according to their reports, they were shot by the CF
when they came into the courtyard to cover the bodies of the Daoud brothers.
The locais in Gardez under the direction of the local elders planned on boycotting all things tied to
and GS, as they see the government and CPS as being complicit in human rights violations
and the deaths ofall the innocents, especially the women. They planned on boycotting schools.
etc. and any projects supported by MG Fatah and the Kabul delegation met with the tribal
leaders, calmed the situation and convinced them not to execute a boycott and protests to which
the tribal elders agreed so long as the following demands were met. The following demands were
relayed to us by M6 Fatah from the tribal elders:
0 Return of 400,000 Afghanis taken in the raid
- Release of the 8 men taken back to the 505?? Zone HQs
- Turnover of informant to Afghan Police for prosecution for passing false information
resulting in the death of innocent civilians
informed MG Fatah that I would pass along the Gardez Leaders demands but that is all I could do.
According to MG Fatah their investigation so far has indicated that the family was ceiebrating the
?nal day of the six day celebration for the birth of a child and the family was ali inside the house
when the raid element arrived on scene. When Mohammad Daoud heard the noise in the court
yard and the initial breach activities mm he went into the court yard thinking that he was
being attacked by the Taliban since he was an AUP Intelligence Officer responsible for interfering
with their activities in Zormat. The report has been corroborated by the Gardez University Deputy
{who was attending the celebration} who called the Paktya PHQ AUP by cell phone at new to
indicate that the compound was being attacked by Taliban. According to MG Fatah, there was
already an AUP element standing by at the Paktya PHQ because they had been informed earlier in
the day that would conduct a raid at some place in Gardet that night and would call them in to
assist in the actual execution. The call from CFs did not occur but they responded to the scene
upon the cell phone call from the University of?cial [name unknown).
He further stated that there was no indication that Daoud or anyone eise from the party fired at
the CFs and that they were killed before they had any opportunity to try and defend themselves in
what they believed to be an attack by the Taliban. The AUP is convinced that CFs were given false
information by the Taliban in an effort to try and indirectly target Mohammad Daoud and
Mohammad Zahir because they interfere with AAF activity as a police of?cer and prosecutor. He
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10
further stated that everyone knows that the CFs [which he regularlv referred to as the Special
Forces} lied about finding the women executed because the women killed were the wives and
sisters of the men killed, all attending a celebration of birth
Two dead men:
Mohammad Daoud was an ANP of?cer Intelligence Officer, Captain from
Zorrnat. Just complete our Intel class last week
Mohammad Zahir was the prosecutorfor Ahmadabad District, Paktia
Three dead women (one of which was 3-9 months pregnant and lost the child}:
Daoud?s Wife and
{bits} I
MG Fatah, CID and the of?cials from Kabul continue to investigate the situation?: and working with
the family member and the local leaders to maintain peace and order. They will conduct another
Shura at 1430 todav at the Zone to discuss the way ahead. We will have representatives at
the Shura to listen and gather further details.
Classi?cation:
Caveats: No Caveat
DECLASSIFY ON: 25 YEARS FROM DATE OF E-MAIL
DATE OF SOURCE: 1 MAY 2006
CAVEATS: NONE
TERMS: NONE
AFI 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10
498
From: I lbilSl. lollBl I
T0:
Subject: IJC PRESS RELEASE #054: Joint force operating in Gardez makes gruesome discwerv (UNCLASSIFIED)
Date: Friday, February 12, 2010 05:35:02
force ogerating in ?ardez makes grumme
Classi?cation: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
2010-02-CA-054
For Immediate Release
Joint force operating in Gardez makes gruesome disooverv
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 12) - An Afghan-intemational securiw
force found me bound and gagged bodies of three women during an
operation in the Gardez district, Paktiya province last night.
The joint force went to a compound near the village of
Khatabeh, after intelligence con?rmed militant activity. Several
insurgents engaged the joint force in a ?re ?ght and were killed.
Subsequently, a large number of men, women, and children exited the
compound, and were detained by the joint force. When the joint force
entered the compound thev conducted a thorough search of the area, and
found the bodies of three women who had been tied up, gagged and killed.
The bodies had been hidden in an adjacent room.
The joint force immediately secured the area and requested
expert medical support and will conduct a joint forensic investigation.
Eight men were detained for further questioning.
.30-
Classi?cation: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Pektya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 499
NATO says insurgents killed; family says civilians
A: Assn-mam
By AMIR SHAH, Associated Press Writer Arm'r Shah, Associated Press Writer? Fri Feb 12, 4:40 am ET
KABUL Ajoint Afghan-NATO force killed several insurgents during a raid on a compound
where troops discovered the bodies of two men and two bound and gagged women, NATO said
Friday. Family members accused US. soldiers of killing innocent civilians.
Afghan of?cials in Paktia province continued Friday they are investigating the deaths of ?ve
people in a home near the provincial capital of Gardez.
Police Chief Gen. Azizudin Wardak said the ?ve two men and three women were killed
Thursday night during a party. One of the men worked for the police, while the second man
werked for the attorney general's office, he said.
"Who killed them? We still don't know," he said, adding the investigation is under way.
Civilian deaths during military operation are a hotwbutton issue in Afghanistan, and U.S.
commanders have issued strict orders to limit the use of ferce when civilians are at risk.
President Hamid Karzai has also called on NATO to stop night raids into private homes because
they offend Afghan culture and help turn people away from the government and its allies.
The Interior Ministry sent a team Friday to Paktia to investigate the incident, indicating the high
level concern over new allegations of civilian casualties.
NATO forces have pledged to "cooperate fully in thisjoint investigation," said Brig. Gen. Eric
Tremblay, spokesman for the International Security Assistance Force.
In a statement, NATO forces said the operation took place Thursday night in the Gardez district
after the joint force received reports of militant activity at a compound near the village of
Khatabeh.
"Several insurgents engaged the joint force in a ?re ?ght and were killed," the statement said,
without saying how many had died. Then "a large number of men, women, and children" exited
the compound and were detained by the joint force, it said.
An initial statement said the joint force searching the compound made a gruesome discovery"
the bodies of three women who had been bound, gagged and killed. The bodies had been
hidden in an adjacent room, the statement said.
But a second statement several hours later said the joint force found the bound and gagged
bodies of two women and two dead men. There was no explanation for the initial discrepancy.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 500
Eight men have been detained for questioning, NATO forces said, adding that a joint forensic
investigation will be conducted-
However, relatives of the dead accused American forces of being responsible for the deaths of all
?ve people when contacted by The Associated Press by phone.
A man who identi?ed himselfas Hamidullah said he had been in the home as some 20 people
gathered to celebrate the birth of a son when a group of men he described as special
forces" surrounded the compound.
When one man came out into the courtyard to ask why, Hamidullah said he watched U.S. forces
gun him down.
"Daoud was coming out of the house to ask what was going on. And then they shot him," he
said.
Then they killed a second man, Hamidullah said. The rest of the group were forced out into the
yard, made to kneel and had their hands bound behind their back, he said, breaking off crying
without giving any further details.
A deputy provincial ecuncil member in Gardez, Shahyesta Jan Ahadi, said news of the operation
has in?amed the local community that believes the Americans were reSponsiblc for the deaths.
"Last night, the Americans conducted an operation in a. house and killed ?ve innocent peeple,
including three women. The people are so angry, he said.
Ahadi said the operation had not included any Afghan forces, saying "The government didn't
know about this."
"We strongly condemn this," he said, suggesting that locals might organize a demonstration to
protest.
The Angry Arab News Service/?ldi laurel? ligated id'?lu?e?e
A source on politics, war, the Middle East, Arabic poetry, and art.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Innocent civilians? N0 wav
"Several civilians were killed in Paktia Province on Friday when a joint
Afghan-?ail; force went to investigate a report of militant activity, but
NATO and the Afghan police gave varying accounts of what happened.? i
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 501
have an idea. Let us launch an investigation which will invariabty exonerate
US occUpation forces. Yalla.
(CNN.com blogs)
Bodies believed to be 'honor killing' victims
Bodies believed to be 'honor killing' victims
February 12th, 2010
KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) - Four people found dead in a southeastern Afghan compound
appear to be-victims of an honor killing, a senior U.S. military official said on Friday.
The bodies were discovered during an operation by Afghan and forces in Paktia
province, a volatile region along the border of Pakistan. NATO's International Security
Assistance Force said the bodies of two men and two women were found, with the women
bound and gagged, and the U.S. of?cial said the people were shot "execution?style."
An honor killing is a murder carried out by a family or community member against someone
thought to have brought dishonor onto them. The U.S. of?cial said it isn't clear whether the
dishonor in this case stemmed from accusations of acts such as adultew or even
cooperating with NATO forces.
"It has the earmarks of a traditional honor killing,? said the official, who added the Taliban
could be responsible.
Afghan and NATO officials are investigating the incident, which occurred in the village of
Khatabeh in the province's Gardez district. The Operation unfolded when Afghan and
international forces went to the compOUnd, which was thought to be a site of militant
activity. A fire?ght ensued and several insurgents died, several people left the compound,
and eight others were detained.
Paktia is the same province where a military? base was the target of an assault that wounded
five U.S. soldiers on Thursday, authorities said. Both the U.S. of?cial and a Paktia province
spokesman confirmed that a suicide attacker, apparently wearing police garb, carried out
the action. The U.S. of?cial said it may never be fully determined if the uniform was stolen
or the bomber was a turncoat.
On December 30, a suicide attack on a U.S. base in Afghanistan killed seven CIA of?cers
and a JOrdanian army captain. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack,
also on a base in eastern Afghanistan.
Barbara Starr contributed to this report.
attestw?whmm
tru5tcd local news
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 502
Civilians flee Afghan town ahead of U.S. assault
2/12/2010 6:16 PM
Associated Press
NEAR MARJAH. Afghanistan (AP) Cars and trucks jammed the main road out of a besieged Taliban-held town on
Friday as hundreds of civilians de?ed militant orders and fled the area ahead of an anticipated U.S.-Afghan assault.
Tribal elders pleaded for NATO to ?nish the operation quickly and spare civilians - an appeal that offers some hope
the townspeople will cooperate with Afghan and international forces once the Taliban are gone.
Thousands of U5. and Afghan troops have ringed the town of Marjah in Helmand Province. poised to enter the
farming community. drive off the Taliban and restore government control over a major insurgent supply base and
opium-poppy center 380 miles southwest of Kabul.
Once the town is secured, NATO hopes to rush in aid and restore public services in a bid to win support among the
estimated 125.000 people who live in Marjah and surrounding villages.
Although the Marjah operation began weeks ago with the m0vement of troops. U.S. commanders have not revealed
when the main attack will take place. They have signaled their intention to attack Marjah for weeks in hopes that
civilians would seek shelter.
The operation. which is under NATO auspices. is the ?rst major offensive since President Barack Obama announced
last December that he was sending 30.000 reinforcements to Afghanistan, and will serve as a signi?cant test of the
new U.S. strategy for turning back the Taliban.
Residents told The Associated Press by telephone this week that Taliban ?ghters were preventing them from leaving.
warning the roads were planted with land mines to slow the NATO advance.
Nevertheless. the road between Marjah and the provincial capital of Lashltar Gab. 20 miles to the northeast. was
jammed Friday with hundreds of cars and trucks ?lled with people ?eeing ahead of the assault. Many said they had to
leave quickly and secretly to avoid recrimination from Taliban commanders.
Some said they slipped out of town when Taliban mmanders weren?t watching.
"We were not allowed to come here. We haven't broughtany of our belongings: we just tried to get ourselves out."
said Bibi Gui. an elderiy woman in a black headscarfwho arrived in nearby Lashkar Gah with three of her sons. She
left three more sons behind in Marian.
Police searched the vehicles for any signs of militants, in one case prodding bales of cotton with a metal rod in search
of hidden weapons.
"They don't allow families to leave.? Marjah resident Clari Mohammad Nabi said ofthe Taliban. "The families can only
leave the village when they are not seen leaving."
Provincial spokesman Daoud Ahmadi said about 450 families - an estimated 2.?00 people - had already sought
refuge in Lashkar Gah. Most moved in with relatives but more than 100 were being sheltered by the government. he
said.
Ahmadi said the iocal government was prepared to shelter 1000 families in nearby towns, providing them with food.
blankets and dishes.
in advance of the attack. Afghan of?cials urged community leaders in Marjah to use their in?uence to persuade the
Taliban to lay down their weapons and avoid a bloodbath. In return. the of?cials promised to improve the lives of the
people there.
During a meeting Thursday. Helmand's governor, Gulab Mangal. urged tribal elders from the town to "use any
avenue you have. direct or indirect. to tell the Taliban who don't want to ?ght. that they can join with us." according to
the chief of Helmand's provincial council. Mohammad Anwar Khan.
For their part. the elders begged for limited use of airstrikes because of the risk of civilian deaths. Khan said Friday.
Another of the elders at the meeting. Mohammad Karim Khan. said he would not dare to approach the Taliban and
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 503
tell them to give up their guns to the government.
"We can't talk to the Taliban. We are farmers and poor people and we are not involved in these things like the
politicians are." said Khan. who is not related to the provincial council chief.
Instead. a group of 34 elders sent a letter Friday to the provincial government urging NATO forces to ?nish the
operation in Marjah quickly and to avoid harming civilians. Abdul Hai Agha. an elder from Marjah. said local people
were frightened and feared they would not be cared for after the Taliban are gone.
"We said in this letter that if you are doing this operation in Marjah, do it quickly.? Agha told the AP by phone from the
town.
The fact that the elders did not demand US. and Afghan troops call off the operation offered a glimmer of hope the
tomspeople will cooperate with the pro-government forces if the Afghan leadership is able to ful?ll its promises
of a better life without the Taliban.
US. of?cials have long complained that Afghan government corruption and inef?ciency have alienated millions of
Afghans and paved the way for the revival of the militant grOUp after it was driven from power in the 2W1 U.S.?led
invasion.
One ofthe main drafters of the letter to government of?cials said he and others had been reaching out to local
Taliban commanders.
"We have talked to some of the Taliban over the phone and we have told them: This is your country. Don't create
problems for your fellow Afghans and don't go on a suicide mission.? said Abdul Rehman Jan. an elder who lives in
Lashkar Gah.
However, Jan said most of the Afghan Taliban have already ?ed the area. Militant commanders from the Middle East
or Pakistan have stayed 0n "and they want to ?ght," he said.
U.S. intelligence of?cers estimate there are possibly up to 150 foreign ?ghters among the 400 to 1.000 Taliban
militants in Marjah.
Elsewhere. villagers in the eastern province of Paktia aowsed ajofnt Afghan-NATO force of killing civilians during an
overnight raid. NATO said it killed several insurgents on the compound and troops discovered the bodies of two men
and bound and gagged women inside the compound when they searched it.
Afghan of?cials in Paktia province con?rmed Friday they are investigating the deaths of five people in a home near
the provincial capital of Gardez.
Police Chief Gen. Azizudin Werdak said the ?ve two man and three women were killed Thursday night
during a party. One of the men worked for the police. while the second man worked for the attorney general's of?ce.
he said.
?Who killed them? We still don't know." he said.
Also Friday. the Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing on a U.S. military base a day earlier in Paktia
near the Pakistani border thatwounded ?ve Americans.
The Paktia base is 400 miles northeast of Marjah.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 504
#22er 2.5-
The more things change . . .
BEHIND THE HEADLINES BUNN NAGARA
The fight against Taliban insurgents intensi?es in Afghanistan, with no solutions yet from
Iraq to Pakistan.
FOR US President Barack Obama, ?ghting Saddam Hussein's Iraq was the "wrong war" but
attacking a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan that had been hosting al-Qaeda was the "right war?.
The ?rst was a "war of choice?, being both unnecessary and diversionary, while the second was a
?war of necessity" in ?ghting terrorism. Whether as presidential candidate or president, Obama is no
paci?st, differing with his predecessor George W. Bush only in his sense of political geography.
Much US military action has thus moved from a post-Saddam lraq to an Afghanistan beset with a
Taliban insurgency, with how a war is de?ned relating to perceived US national interests. However,
other people with similar security interests may Well have very different perceptions. The most basic
and immediate security interest is the safety of self and family. followed by that of the
neighbourhood. community and nation. Increasing numbers of Afghans are daily being made aware
of it, in being compelled to live through or die from it.
And yet even at the high cost of local Afghan lives continually at stake, some essential issues remain
very unsettled. An all-too-comrnon result is that people continue to be killed in their own homes,
while both sides argue over the identi?es and actions of the deceased.
The USmled occupation forces in Afghanistan are now supposed to be more friendly to the residents,
when several previous troop encounters with locals ended in the latter?s murder. Typically, the
occupying forces see a dead militant where bereaved families see an unjustly murdered relative or
neighbour.
But what visible difference is there between a civilian and a militant? That difference is required to
distinguish between life and death, or war and peace, yet in the course of combat no discernible
difference may be apparent.
Militants wear no uniforms or insignia, practise no coded handshakes and carry no membership
cards or other identifying documents. They are indistinguishable from local residents at point-blank
range, notably to foreigners who havejust parachuted in, and certainly to distant foreigners viewing
neighbourhoods from grainy satellite pictures.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 505
Of course, militants may carry ?rearms, but so do locals for self-defence in a tough neighbourhood
as in the US. A Taliban insurgent is also Pashtun in ethnicity, but in areas populated mostly by
Pashtuns that is another factor for confusion rather than clari?cation. Another Taliban characteristic
is extremism in religious thought, but military equipment still does not include mind-reading
machines.
Among the latest schemes is to work with "refom'lable" Taliban while targeting the others. But it is
still unclear what method or mechanism can distinguish between ?good? and ?bad? Taliban.
especially when they share an abhorrent ideology.
All this highlights the dif?culties of waging war or occupying foreign land sensibly, and the unlikely
prospect of changing course by avoiding attacks on civilian homes. Saying that the occupation
forces are already doing it amounts to a political declaration rather than a statement of fact.
These issues have become most pertinent for Afghans in recent days as US?led Nate and Afghan
forces wage the toughest battle against insurgents since the 2001 invasion of the country. This time
the assault is for largely Pashtun, Taliban?controlled Marjah in Helmand province, with local politics
complicated by the traditional mandates of tribal leaders.
As a sign of the precarioUSness of the situation, the Afghan Interior Minister visited the province on
Thursday to speak personally to the tribal leaders. His main purpose was to persuade them to
accept and support the US military action against Taliban insurgents.
The reply he received cannot be unexpected: support would depend on how the forces conducted
operations and the consequences for the local people. if previous Operations are any guide, the
locals can expect to be disappointed, or worse.
That night, 20 people gathered in a house in Paktia province to celebrate the birth of a son. A family
member said the house was suddenly surrounded by US Special forces troops.
When one man in the party, a local policeman, went outside to investigate, he was shot. A witness
said another man. a government employee, followed, and he too was killed; three women were also
killed.
The occupation forces issued a statement to say that they had stumbled on the ?ve dead bodies in
the house, their hands bound. A few hours later they issued another statement saying they had
discovered four bodies, with no explanation for the discrepancy.
Witnesses from the party told the Associated Press that the victims were executed after being
ordered from the house, forced to kneel and had their hands tied. This incident added to a list of
civilian deaths that include bombings of border villages by US drone aircraft.
If confusiOn between civilians and militants is a problem for locals, so is confusion between army
troops and mercenaries among the occupation forces. The Pentagon of former Defence Secretary
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 505
Donald Rumsfeld assigned insuf?cient troops to Iraq, and so came to rely on ?private security
contractors" to do the job.
The main differences between these mercenaries and regular troops were that the mercenaries
were paid many times more by the US taxpayer, and were above both Iraqi and US law. The
inevitable result was that Iraqis watched as the mercenaries implicated in civilian deaths got away
with murder. That enraged so many Iraqis that Baghdad gave about 250 of the mercenaries who
worked for Blackwater International until today to leave the country.
Meanwhile, Washington's practice of hiring mercenaries in place of assigning US troops continues in
Afghanistan, and possibly Pakistan, in a new version of the "domino theory?. Even US Republican
leaders are now congratulating Obama for being more aggressive than Bush abroad. It makes for
the best lessons yet in losing hearts and minds.
The more things change . . .
BEHIND THE HEADLINES WITH BUNN NAGARA
The ?ght against Taliban insurgents intensifies in Afghanistan, with no solutions yet from
Iraq to Pakistan.
FOR US President Barack Obama, ?ghting Saddam Hussein's lraq was the "wrong war" but
attacking a Taliban-mled Afghanistan that had been hosting aI-anda was the "right war".
The ?rst was a ?war of choice". being both unnecessary and diversionary, while the second was a
?ver of necessity? in ?ghting terrorism. Whether as presidential candidate or president. Obama is no
paci?st. differing with his predecessor George W. Bush only in his sense of political geography.
lvluch US military action has thus moved from a post-Saddam Iraq to an Afghanistan beset with a
Taliban insurgency, with how a war is de?ned relating to perceived US national interests. However,
other people with similar security interests may well have very different perceptions. The most basic
and immediate security interest is the safety of self and family, followed by that of the
neighbourhood. community and nation. Increasing numbers of Afghans are daily being made aware
of it. in being compelled to live through or die from it.
And yet even at the high cost of local Afghan lives continually at stake, some essential issues remain
very unsettled. An all-too?common result is that people continue to be killed in their own homes.
while both sides argue over the identities and actions of the deceased.
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 50?
The US-led occupation forces in Afghanistan are now supposed to be more friendly to the residents.
when several previous troop encounters with locals ended in the latter?s murder. Typically, the
occupying forces see a dead militant where bereaved families see an unjustly murdered relative or
neighbour.
But What visible difference is there between a civilian and a militant? That difference is required to
distinguish between life and death, or war and peace, yet in the course of combat no discernible
difference may be apparent.
Militants wear no uniforms or insignia, practise no coded handshakes and carry no membership
cards or other identifying documents. They are indistinguishable from local residents at point-blank
range, notably to foreigners who have just parachuted in, and certainly to distant foreigners viewing
neighbourhoods from grainy satellite pictures.
Of course. militants may carry ?rearms, but so do locals for seif~defence in a tough neighbourhood
as in the US. A Taliban insurgent is also Pashtun in ethnicity, but in areas populated mostly by
Pashtuns that is another factor for confusion rather than clari?cation. Another Taliban characteristic
is extremism in religious thought, but military equipment still does not include mind-reading
machines.
Among the latest schemes is to work with ?reformable? Taliban while targeting the others. But it is
still unclear what method or mechanism can distinguish between "good" and ?bad? Taliban,
especially when they share an abhorrent ideology.
All this highlights the dif?culties of waging war or occupying foreign land sensibly, and the unlikely
prospect of changing course by avoiding attacks on civilian homes. Saying that the occupation
forces are already doing it amounts to a political declaration rather than a statement of fact.
These issues have become most pertinent for Afghans in recent days as US-led Nate and Afghan
forces wage the toughest battle against insurgents since the 2001 invasion of the country. This time
the assault is for largely Pashtun, Taliban-controlled Marjah in Helmand province, with local politics
complicated by the traditional mandates of tribal leaders.
As a sign of the precariousness of the situation, the Afghan interior Minister visited the province on
Thursday to speak personally to the tribal leaders. His main purpose was to persuade them to
accept and support the US military action against Taliban insurgents.
The reply he received cannot be unexpected: support would depend on how the forces conducted
operations and the consequences forthe local people. If previous operations are any guide, the
locals can expect to be disappointed, or worse.
That night, 20 people gathered in a house in Paktia province to celebrate the birth of a son. A family
member said the house was suddenly surrounded by US special forces troops.
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 508
When one man in the party, a local policeman. went outside to investigate, he was shot. A witness
said another man, a government employee. followed, and he too was killed; three women were also
killed.
The occupation forces issued a statement to say that they had stumbled on the ?ve dead bodies in
the house, their hands bound. A few hours later they issued another statement saying they had
discovered four bodies, with no explanation for the discrepancy.
Witnesses from the party told the Associated Press that the victims were executed after being
ordered from the house, forced to kneel and had their hands tied. This incident added to a list of
civilian deaths that include bombings of border villages by US drone aircraft.
If confusion between civilians and militants is a problem for locals, so is confusion between army
troops and mercenaries among the occupation forces. The Pentagon of former Defence Secretary
Donald Rumsfeld assigned insuf?cient troops to Iraq, and so came to rely on "private security
contractors" to do the job.
The main differences between these mercenaries and regular troops were that the mercenaries
were paid many times more by the US taxpayer, and were above both Iraqi and US law. The
inevitable result was that Iraqis watched as the mercenaries implicated in civilian deaths got away
with murder. That enraged so many Iraqis that Baghdad gave about 250 of the mercenaries who
worked for Blackwater International until today to leave the country.
Meanwhile, Washington?s practice of hiring mercenaries in place of assigning US troops continues in
Afghanistan, and possibly Pakistan. in a new version of the "domino theory?. Even US Republican
leaders are now congratulating Obama for being more aggressive than Bush abroad. It makes for
the best lessons yet in losing hearts and minds.
warnewstoday.blogspot.com
War News for Friday, February 12, 2010
Afghanistan: 'The Forgotten War"
Taliban forces claimed responsibility Friday for an attack by a suicide bomber on a US.
military base near the Pakistani border that injured five Americans. The attack occurred after
sundown in a barracks at a US. facility in the Band aw Patan district in Paktia province,
about 35 miles {70 kilometers} east of the provincial capital Gardez, according to provincial
government spokesman Routlah Samoun. A US. statement said "several" U.S. service members
were injured in an explosion at a joint U.S.-Afghan outpost in Paktia but gave no further
details-
The attack occurred about 400 miles (640 kilometers) northeast of the Taliban town of Marjah
in southern Afghanistan which is under siege by US. and Afghan troops.
A joint Afghan-NATO force killed several insurgents during a raid on a compound where
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 50$;l
troops discovered the bodies of two men and two bound and gagged women, NATO said
Friday. Family members accused U.S. soldiers of killing innocent civilians. Afghan officials in
Paktia province confirmed Friday they are investigating the deaths of five people in a home
near the provincial capital of Gardez. Police Chief Gen. Azizudin Wardak said the five two
men and three women were killed Thursday night during a party. One of the men worked
for the police, while the second man worked for the attorney general's office, he said. "Who
killed them? We still don't know," he said, adding the investigation is under way.
A man who identified himself as Hamidullah said he had been in the home as some 20 people
gathered to celebrate the birth of a son when a group of men he described as special
forces" surrounded the compound. When one man came out into the courtyard to ask why,
Hamidullah said he watched U.S. forces gun him down. "Daoud was coming out of the house to
ask what was going on. And then they shot him," he said. Then they killed a second man,
Hamidullah said. The rest of the group were forced out into the yard, made to kneel and had
their hands bound behind their back, he said, breaking off crying without giving any further
details. A deputy provincial council member in Gardez, Shahyesta Jan Ahadi, said news of the
operation has inflamed the local community that believes the Americans were responsible for
the deaths. "Last night, the Americans conducted an operation in a house and killed five
innocent people, including three women. The people are so angry," he said.
patdollard.com
GTFO: Afghani Civilian Exodus On Eve 0f Massive US
Advance
February 12th, 2010 Posted By Erik Wong-
NEAR MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) - Cars and trucks jammed the main road out of a besieged
Taliban-held town on Friday as hundreds of civilians de?ed militant orders and ?ed the area
ahead of an anticipated U.S.-Afghan assault.
Tribal elders pleaded for NATO to ?nish the operation quickly and spare civilians?an appeal
that offers some hope the town5people will cooperate with Afghan and international forces once
the Taliban are gone.
Thousands of US. and Afghan troops have ringed the town of Marjah in Helmand province,
poised to enter the farming community, drive off the Taliban and restore government control
Over a major i?SUTg?m supply base and Opium-poppy center 380 miles (610 kilometers)
southwest of Kabul.
Once the town is secured, NATO hepes to rush in aid and restore public services in a bid to win
support among the estimated 125,000 people who live in Maijah and surrounding villages.
Although the Marjah operation began weeks ago with the movement of troops, U.S. commanders
have not revealed when the main attack will take place. They have signaled their intention to
attack Marjah for weeks in hopes that civilians would seek shelter.
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 510
The operation, which is under NATO auspices, is the first major offensive since President
Barack Obama announced last December that he was sending 30,000 reinforcements to
Afghanistan, and will serve as a signi?cant test of the new US. strategy for turning back the
Taliban.
Residents told The Associated Press by telephone this week that Taliban ?ghters were
preventing them from leaving, warning the roads were planted with land mines to slow the
NATO advance.
Nevertheless, the road between Marjah and the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, 20 miles (30
kilometers) to the northeast, was jammed Friday with hundreds of cars and trucks filled with
people ?eeing ahead of the assault. Many said they had to leave quickly and secretly to avoid
recrimination from Taliban commanders.
Some said they slipped out of town when Taliban commanders weren?t watching.
?We were not allowed to come here. We haven?t brought any of our belongings; we just tried to
get ourselves out,? said Bibi Gul, an elderly woman in a black headscarf who arrived in nearby
Lashkar Gah with three of her sons. She left three more sons behind in Marjah.
Police searched the vehicles for any signs of militants, in one case prodding bales of cotton with
a metal rod in search of hidden weapons.
?They don?t allow families to leave,? Marjah resident Qari Mohammad Nabi said of the Taliban.
?The families can only leave the village when they are not seen leaving.?
Provincial spokesman Daoud Ahmadi said about 450 families?an estimated 2,700 people?had
already sought refuge in Lashkar Gah. Most moved in with relatives but more than 100 were
being sheltered by the government, he said.
Ahmadi said the local government was prepared to shelter 7,000 families in nearby towns,
providing them with food, blankets and dishes.
In advance of the attack, Afghan officials urged community leaders in Marjah to use their
in?uence to persuade the Taliban to lay down their weapons and avoid a bloodbath. In return, the
of?cials promised to improve the lives of the people there.
During a meeting Thursday, Helmand?s governor, Gulab Mangal, urged tribal elders from the
town to ?use any avenue you have, direct or indirect, to tell the Taliban who don?t want to f1 ght,
that they can join with us,? according to the chief of Helmand?s provincial council, Mohammad
Anwar Khan.
For their part, the elders begged for limited use of airstrikes because of the risk of civilian deaths,
Khan said Friday.
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 511
Another of the elders at the meeting, Mohammad Karim Khan, said he wOuld not dare to
approach the Taliban and tell them to give up their guns to the government.
?We can?t talk to the Taliban. We are farmers and poor people and we are not involved in these
things like the politicians are,? said Khan, who is not related to the provincial council chief.
Instead, a group of 34 elders sent a letter Friday to the provincial government urging NATO
forces to finish the Operation in Marjah quickly and to avoid harming civilians. Abdul Hai Agha,
an elder from Marjah, said local people were frightened and feared they would not be cared for
after the Taliban are gone.
?We said in this letter that if you are doing this Operation in Marjah, do it quickly,? Agha told the
AP by phone from the town.
The fact that the elders did not demand US. and Afghan troops call off the operation offered a
glimmer of hope the townspeople will cooperate with the pro-government forces?if the Afghan
leadership is able to fulfill its promises of a better life without the Taliban.
US. officials have long complained that Afghan government corruption and inef?ciency have
alienated millions of Afghans and paved the way fer the revival of the militant group after it was
driven from power in the 2001 U.S.-led invasion.
One of the main drafters of the letter to government officials said he and others had been
reaching out to local Taliban commanders.
?We have talked to some of the Taliban over the phone and we have told them: ?This is your
county. Don?t create problems for your fellow Afghans and don?t go on a suicide mission,m
said Abdul Rehman Jan, an elder who lives in Lashkar Gah.
However, Jan said most of the Afghan Taliban have already ?ed the area. Militant commanders
from the Middle East or Pakistan have stayed on ?and they want to fight,? he said.
US. intelligence of?cers estimate there are possibly up to 150 foreign ?ghters among the 400 to
1,000 Taliban militants in Maljah.
Elsewhere, villagers in the eastern province of Paktia accused ajoint Afghan-NATO force of
killing civilians during an overnight raid. NATO said it killed several insurgents on the
compound and troops discovered the bodies of two men and two bound and gagged women
inside the compound when they searched it.
Afghan of?cials in Paktia province con?rmed Friday they are investigating the deaths of ?ve
people in a home near the provincial capital of Gardez.
Police Chief Gen. Azizudin Wardak said the ?ve?two men and three womena-were killed
Thursday night during a party. One of the men worked for the police, while the second man
worked for the attorney general?s of?ce, he said.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 512
?Who killed them? We still don?t know,? he said.
Also Friday, the Taliban claimed reaponsibility for a suicide bombing on a US. military base a
day earlier in Paktia near the Pakistani border that w0unded ?ve Americans.
The Paktia base is 400 miles (640 kilometers) northeast of Marjah.
E-TAES
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Wallf?'?llr'l??ld? Ij?v
Afghan, International Force Kills Enemy Fighters
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2010? An Afghan-international joint security force killed more than 20 enemy
militants and captured more than ?ve others during an operation today in Afghanista n?s Farah province
in pursuit of a Taliban commander believed to responsible for organizing suiCide-bbmbing attacks.
The combined force targeted a series of compounds in Fara h's Baghwa district near Tali Zardad after
inteiligence information indicated militant activity.
As the combined force approached one of the buildings in the targeted compound, a militant hiding
inside tossed a grenade at them. After calling for the militant to surrender, the combined force
attempted to enter the building, and the militant detenated a suicide vest he was wearing. No members
of the combined force were harmed by the blast.
After the explosion, a large number of armed militants attempted to maneuver on the combined force.
The combined force engaged the militants, killing more than 20 and wounding one. At least ?ve other
militants were captured and were detained along with the injured individual, who received medical
treatment for his injuries.
In addition to the suicide vest and grenade used by the first militant, the combined force found a rocket-
propelled grenade launcher, HPG rounds, grenades, a machine gun, multiple assault rifles and
ammunition magazines, bomb components, handheld radios of a type often used by militants for
communications and a heavy machine gun.
In the Mohammad Agha district of Logar province last night, a combined force searched a compound
after intelligence indicated militant activity and captured a Taliban subcommander with ties to several
militant networks believed to be responsible for bombing attacks.
Yesterday, a combined patrol discovered four mortar rounds and a 55 mm shell in one area and three
155 mm Russian-era artillery rounds in another area of Kandahar City.
No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations, officials said.
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 513
Meanwhile, Afghanista n?s Interior Ministry and International Security Assistance Force are
conducting a joint investigation into the suspicious death of four Afghan civilians found in eastern
Afghanistan?s Paktia province.
A combined force of Afghan and international troops last night found the bound and gagged bodies of
two women and the bodies of two men during an operation in the province?s Gardez district.
The force went to a compound near the village of Khatabeh after intelligence confirmed militant activity
there. Several insurgents engaged the force in a ?refight and were killed. Subsequently, a large number
of men, women and children left the compound, and were detained by the force. Members of the
combined force found the bodies inside.
The force immediately secured the area and requested medical support for a combined forensic
investigation.
Eight men were detained for further questioning.
continually works with our Afghan partners to ?ght criminals and terrorists who do not care about
the life of civilians,? ISAF spokesman Canadian army Brig. Gen. Eric Tremblay said. "The Interior Ministry
of Afghanistan has sent a high-ranking delegation today to jointly investigate this incident. We will
cooperate fully in this joint investigation and provide any assistance the Interior Ministry requires.?
(Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news releases.)
Dallas Morning News
UPDATE: WAR REPORT
CST on Friday, February 12, 2010
The Associated Press
BOMBERS KILL 32: Two suicide bombers struck outside a police complex Thursday in
northwestern Pakistan, killing 15 peeple in the latest strike against security forces. Of the 15
dead in the town of Bannu, at least nine were police. On Wednesday, a suicide bomber killed 10
police of?cers and seven civilians in the Khyber tribal region near the Afghan border. The
suicide bombings follow reports that the Pakistani Taliban's top commander, Hakimullah
Mehsud, died from wonnds sustained in a U.S. missile strike in mid-January.
AVALANCHE TOLL AT 171: Resoue teams continued digging through mounds of snow
Thursday searching for avalanche victims as the death toll rose to 171. About 3,000 people had
been rescued from the snowbound Salang Pass, a major route from the capital to northern
Afghanistan. It was not known how many people might still be buried.
FIVE AMERICANS WOUNDED: A suicide attacker wearing a border police uniform blew
himself up at a U.S. base in l?aktia province, near the Pakistan border, wounding ?ve Americans,
of?cials said.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 514
The Associated Press
CNN.com
Bodies found gagged, bound after Afghan
February 12, 2010 Updated 1324 GMT (0224
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) Four people found dead in a southeastern Afghan compound appear
to be victims of an honor kiliing, a senior US. military official said on Friday.
The bodies were disc0vered during an operation by Afghan and forces in Paktia province.
a volatile region along the border of Pakistan.
NATO's International Security Assistance Force said the bodies of hue men and two women were
found, with the women bound and gagged, and the U.S. of?cial said the people were shot
"execution-style."
An honor killing is a murder carried out by a family or community member against someone thought
to have brought dishonor onto them.
The US. of?cial said it isn't clear whether the dishonor in this case stemmed from accusations of
acts such as adultery or even cooperating with NATO forces.
"it has the earmarks of a traditional honor killing," said the of?cial, who added the Taliban could be
responsible.
Afghan and NATO of?cials are investigating the incident, which occorred in the village of Khatabeh
in the province's Gardez district.
The operation unfolded when Afghan and international forces went to the compound, which was
thought to be a site of militant activity. A ?re?ght ensued and several insurgents died, several people
left the compound, and eight others were detained.
Paktia is the same province where a military base was the target of an assault that wounded ?ve
us. soldiers on Thursclay. authorities said. Both the U.S. official and a Paktia province spokesman
con?rmed that a suicide attacker, apparently wearing police garb. carried out the action.
The US. of?cial said it may never be fully determined if the uniform was stolen or the bomber was a
turncoat.
On December 30. a suicide attack on a U.S. base in Afghanistan killed seven CIA of?cers and a
Jordanian army captain. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, also on a base in
eastern Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, more than 20 "enemy militants" were killed Friday by Afghan and international forces in
the country?s western region, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said.
The deaths occurred during an operation in Farah province targeting a Taliban commander thought
to be reaponsible for planning suicide attacks, the military said.
When a militant threw a grenade at troops approaching a building, the forces called for his
surrender, it said. The troops tried to enter the building when the militant detonated a suicide vest.
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 515
After that blast, a large number of armed militants tried to confront troops, who killed the insurgents,
the military said. One alleged militant was injured and ?ve were detained, it said. Troops found
weaponry, such as grenades. ?rearms and handheld radios.
Farah borders Helmand province. where international and Afghan troops are gearing up for a major
assault on the Taliban.
AP Associated eras
Taliban claim responsibility in US base attack
By AMIR SHAH (AP) 1 day ago
KABUL Taliban forces claimed responsibility Friday for an attack by a suicide bomber on a
U.S. military base near the Pakistani border that injured five Americans.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the attack Thursday night in eastern Afghanistan was
conducted by an insurgent wearing the uniform of a border policeman.
"Last night, a Talib by the name of Mohammad Omar wore a harder police uniform, entered the
base and blew himself up," he told The Associated Press by phone.
The attack occurred after sundown in a barracks at a U.S- facility in the Dand aw Patan district in
Paktia province, about 35 miles (7'0 kilometers) east of the provincial capital Gardez, according
to provincial government Spokesman Roullah Samoun.
Abdul Satar, an adviser to the Paktia Provincial Reconstruction Team, said a U.S. delegation
from Bagrarn had been sent to gate the incident Friday.
A US. statement said "several" US. service members were injured in an explosiOn at ajoint
U.S.-Afghan outpost in Paktia but gave no further details.
The attack occurred about 400 miles (640 kilometers) northeast of the Taliban town of Marjah in
southern Afghanistan which is under siege by US. and Afghan troops.
On Dec. 30 a Jordanian believed to be a double agent blew himself up at a CIA base in another
easteIn border province, Khost, killing seven agency employees and a Jordanian intelligence
of?cer.
Cepyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 51B
Taliban Claims Responsibility for Bombing
Taliban forces claimed responsibility Friday for a suicide bombing that wounded several US.
soldiers.
The incident took place Thursday at a joint U.S.~Afghan military base in the eastern Paktia
province, near the Pakistani border.
A spokesman for the provincial governor, Roullah Samoun, said ?ve soldiers were wounded in the
attack. U.S. military officials con?rmed several US. service members were injured in a blast at a
base in the east. but provided no other details.
Meanwhile, Afghan and coalition forces say they are investigating an incident in the Gardez district
of Paktia province.
The forces released a statement Friday saying Afghan and international security force members
found the "bound and gagged" bodies of two women. along with two dead men, in a compound in
the district.
The statement says the bodies were found dunng a security force operation. late Thursday, that
resulted in the deaths of several suspected militants and the detention of eight men.
An earlier statement said joint forces found the bodies of three "bound and gagged women" hidden
in a room in the compound.
US. and Afghan forces are moving cioser to the Taliban stronghold of Marjah in southern
Heimand province in preparation for a major offensive.
Commanders hope to regain control of the town a major opium traf?cking hub for the Taliban -
and estimate they could face anywhere from a few hundred up to 1,000 Taliban ?ghters.
?it-?ne ??tk Ewes
Afghanistan: Different Accounts Offered About
Civilian Deaths
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 51?
Several civilians were killed in Paktia Province on Friday when a joint
Afghan?NATO force went to investigate a report of militant activity, but
NATO and the Afghan police gave varying accounts of what happened. A
NATO statement said the joint force went to a compound in the village of
Khatabeh, in the Gardez district, where insurgents opened ?re on them
from a residential compound. Several insurgents were killed and a large
number of men, women and children ?ed and were detained by the NAT 0
force. Inside the compound, soldiers ?found the bodies of three women who
had been tied up, gagged and killed,? the NATO statement said. The Paktia
Province police chief, Aziz Ahmad Wardak, con?rmed the episode but said
the dead in the house were two men and three women, who he said were
killed by Taliban militants. He said the killings took place while the
residents were celebrating the birth of a baby.
76113 35cm Bork Eban
5 US. Soldiers Injured in Afghan Suicide Attack
Published: February 12, 2010
KABUL, Afghanistan A Suicide bomber wearing the uniform of an Afghan
border police-of?cer, who wounded ?ve American soldiers on Thursday,
was in fact a border police officer working for the Taliban, a Taliban
spokesman said Friday.
The Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, was contacted by telephone.
The attack took place at a joint Afghan?United States military base in the
Pathan District of Paktia Province, according to Rahoullah Samoun, the
spokesman for the governor of Paktia in eastern Afghanistan. A statement
from the International Security Assistanoc. -Force, the American-led NATO
force in Afghanistan, said that several Anierican soldiers had been wounded
but that there were no fatalities.
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 518
On Dec. 30, in another eastern Afghan province, Khost, a Jordanian double
agent attacked a OLA. base, killing seven Americans and a Jordanian. The
Taliban claimed responsibility for that attack, too.
Elsewhere in Paktia Promnce, coalition of?cials and the Afghan police gave
varying accounts of an episode in the Gardez District in which civilians
were killed.
A statement from the coalition said Afghan and NATO forces had gone to a
compound in the village of Khatabeh, where insurgents opened ?re on
them. Several insurgents were killed and a large number of men, women
and children ?ed and were detained, the coalition said.
Inside the compound, the coalition said, soldiers ?found the bodies of three
women who had been tied up, gagged and killed.? The Paktia provincial
police chief, Aziz Ahmad Wardak, said the bodies of two men had also been
found in the house.
The three women had been killed by Taliban militants, he said.
Maj. Matthew Gregory, 3 United States Army spokesman, said Friday that
the two men inside the house were killed by coalition forces after they
Opened ?re on a joint patrol.
we
Villagers accuse US Special Forces for killing five civilians
Police chief General Azizudin Wardak con?rmed that the
?ve - two men and three women - were killed
An Afghan provincial of?cial and villagers has accused US Special forces on Friday of killing
?ve civilians in a raid on a home near Gardez in Paktia province.
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 51S;l
'1 .
Blood is seen near the footwear and a hairband inside a room where ?ve members of an Afghan family
were killed near Ga rdez, in Paktia province, south east Afghanistan, Friday, Feb. 12, 2010. (Photo:
Gardez provincial council member Shahyesta Jan Ahadi said: "On Thursday night, the
Americans conducted an operation in a house and killed ?ve innocent people, including three
women. The people are so angry."
A man who identi?ed himself as Hamidullah said that he had been in the home as some 20
people gathered to celebrate the birth of a son when a group of men he described as US special
forces" surrounded the compound.
Saying he witnessed one man's death, Hamidullah said: "Daoud was coming out of the house to
ask what was going on and then they shot him."
They then killed a Second man, according to Hamidullah, who went on to say that the rest of the
group were forced out into the yard, made to kneel and had their hands bound behind their back.
He broke off in tears, without giving any further details.
Police chief General Azizudin Wardak confirmed that the ?ve - two men and three women -
were killed on Thursclay night during a party, but he said that he did not know the full details.
"Who killed them? We still don?t know," he said.
He added that an investigation was under way.
In a statement, Nate said that its forces had killed "several insurgents" in Gardez district after the
Western military alliance received reports of militant activity at a compound near the village of
Khatabeh.
AFI 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 1D 52!]
From:
an (NHL ibiisi
Subject: ISAF-MOI condemns disoovery in Paktlya (UNCLASSIFIED)
Date: Eridav, February 32, 231.0 03:20:49
Attachments: 20100212-MUE-3400-CA- MOI - ISAF condemns discovery i'n Paktivabdf
Classi?cation: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats #669-
2010-09-CA-02-004
Afghan-Intemational Security Force are Conducting a Joint Investigation
into Incident in Paktiya
KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 12) - The Interior Ministry and the
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) are conducting a joint
investigation in the incident in Paktiya province in the Gardez district
near the village of Khatabeh today. A joint Afghan-intemational
security force found the bound and gagged bodies of two women and dead
bodies of two men in a compound during an operation last night.
continually works with our Afghan partners to ?ght criminals and
terrorists who do not care about the life of civilians. The Interior
Ministry of Afghanistan has sent a high ranking delegation today to
jointly investigate this incident. We will cooperate fully in this
joint investigation and provide any assistance the Interior Ministry
requires," said Brig. Gen. Eric Tremblay, ISAF Spokesperson.
The joint force went to a compound, after intelligence con?rmed
militant activity. Several insurgents engaged the joint force in a ?re
fight and were killed. Subsequently, a large number of men, women, and
children exited the compound. Eight men were detained far further
questioning.
Afghan and international securiby forces wark together to eliminate the
insurgene and terrorist threats and to ensure the safety and well-being
of the Afghan people.
ends -
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
CaveaterQU-Q-
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10
521
From:
To:
lbliil1.4a. (him. lbll?i
Subject: Latest and Bream
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We {mvselfJ {bii3i. (bills) Ijust spoke with Deputy Governor Ma ngal and were
told the following:
1. The 06, NDS Deputy and ANP Deputy are at the site of the incident CF are no longer with
them.
2. There will be NO PRESS CONFERENCE tonight. DG Mangal was ordered by the MOI to not
conduct any media events until after the investigation.
3. The investigation is expected to be complete tomorrow.
4. The DG did speak with the media earlier today and passiad along information in line with
our talking points: the basic known facts, and that this is a joint operation/investigation. It
is unclear whether this information was passed on before or after deputv provincial council
memberl (one) Imade his accusatory and erroneous remarks.
5. (one is not in he?s in Jalalabad, where he gave his remarks to a local AP
stringer.
So, the press conference will happen no earlier than tomorrow. They will keep us informed of
time/place and we?ll send one of our RIAB DJsto cover the event.
Please let me know if you have em; questions!
VF:
lbll3l. {bill-?3)
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Pektya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10
522
From: ibii3i. (bits)
To:
Subject: NIPR docs
Date: Friday, February 19, 201:! 15:53:04
Attachments: 1 i .
Siege; ingigtgn: news giigsoocx
Tw am 1 1.43 mg
E3355 gm: Joint roe ogerat'mg Mtge; mates gagegorne giggve?
FW Leanne; Inv?lgatlon into Eagtixa incident {LiNng?gIFIEDimeg
Here you go, sir. Lots of entertaining reading to out you to sleep tonight.
(bits). ibii?i
From: (bio). [bjisi
Sent: Fridav. Februanr 19. 2010 ?:44 PM
To:
Cc: (bii3i. ibiiBi
Subject: RE: RE: 10 Question and Update
CLASSIFICATION: SEQ-REP
CAVEATS: NONE
TERMS: NONE
Sir,
I?m pretty sure that?s what happened. The really bad part is (biisii (We) at Salerno received
them as we? and didn?t forward them. That telis me no one bothered to check the CC: line for
accuracy.
One thing that kind of surprised me was the Khowst foiks didn?t ping us to Eat us know they?d
gotten them.
Hit'miir did the picture and awards ceremonyr go? Did that,' cite him). who). (bit)
Ibii1I1-4?i IDIISI. IDIIEJ
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 523
11-43. @1131. ?31(5) I
ibiiSJ. (bits)
Sent: Fridav. Februarv 19. 2010 14:58
To:
Cc: ibii1l1l4a. (him in53
Subject: RE: IO Question and Update
UNCLASSIFIED I for 60 days
bii3i. (bit)
This is the first i?ve ever seen these products. Did the originator mess on who they were
intendingto send them to?
UNCLASSIFIED for 60 days
The above- ciassj?ca?on Jaber uere added to the mes-sage by Titus Labs Message Classr?catign, For mm information vilit
Fram=l ibii1i1.4a. (bier (bits) I
Sant: Frldav. Februarv 19. 2010 4:38 PM
To:
Cc: (in3}. ibii?l
Subject: IO Question and Update
CAVEATS: NONE
TERMS: NONE
Sir,
I?m asafeiy. I?m also working off the Investigating Officer?s e-mail aceou nt (their network
is different]. Looks like I?1i be reaming on 21 Feb, not tomorrow.
43. (b1i3J. (in5}. (WE)
WR
ibii1i1-431ib11311ib3i5)
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 524
(Gardezl
IO actions:
>Attempted press conference to highlight the joint aspect of the Afghan/ISAF Operation and
investigation refute erroneous news claims (nixed by Moi)
>No further messaging allowed through ISAF channels
>Localized KLEs by ISAF representative; very little coordination/SA with TM Paktya
>Swift detainee release was well received (but no messaging allowed)
Lessons Learned:
Presenting a united front is critical IOT not drive a wedge between partnered elements
>Afghans will draw their own conclusions in the absence of of forthcoming information, leading to inaccurate
reporting
>Time is critical in pushing out an initial statement? don't need all details, just initial facts to quell
media/civilian anger and get out factual information (stress partnership, was informed, joint
investigation, etc)
>Need access to lessons learned from other CIVCAS incidents
>Need standardized 60-minute battle drill t/o .IOC which emphasizes the importance/timeliness of IO efforts
leadership and BDE leadership need to guidance
>Need to enforce info sharing/cooperative working relationship with third parties operating in battlespace;
create IO plan prior to operations
>Received a post-operation IO and mitigation plan six days later
IO needs situational awareness of the ID actions taken by investigating officers, visiting media, etc
> nclude requirements in the 60-minute battle drill for Updates every hour, hour, etc
BLUF: We lost the ID battle in our silence, and continue to fall further behind as we remain silent
AH 15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation, 12 Feb 10 525
Interview with the detainees who are released today
1- How have you been treated at the detention center?
2- Question was froml (bii?i I He said that I was treated very well by American
troops at the detention facility.
3- Second question was from He also con?rmed the he has been treaty very
good by American soldiers at the detention facility and he added that i felt like home
not like prisoner. Actually he was said that he was agreed and got happy at the prisoner.
4- Third question was from. He said that was treated very well by
American soldiers and added that i had no problem when we were in custody.
5? Forth question was froml (bus) I He has also confessed that he was
mannered like others at the detention center since they were detained from Sharabudin
house in Gardez.
6- Fifth question was from He has said that I was treated and behaved very well
at the detention center since he was detained by US-Special Forces.
7- Sixth question was fro He also like others confirmed that he was treated
very well by American soldiers and he says that we had not problems in the detention
center since; they have been in detention center. On the other hand, also
claimed that he was tortured by Special Forces at the ?rst time when he was captured
by American troops frOm the house in Gardez.
3? Seventh question was from He also said that he had no problem at the
detention facility and added that he was treated very well by American troops.
also claimed that he was tortured at the first time when he was captured by American
troops.
9- Eighth question was from ibii?i He said during our custody at the detention
center, we had not any problems and spent several nights at the detention center
without any problems and without any torment or torturing. also
claimed that he was tortured at the first time when he was captured from the house in
Gardez city few days ago.
Note: At the meantime] {bits} Ialso claimed that their cell
phones, one driving license, around 10,000 Pakistani Rupees has been lost; one of them claimed that
$30, 00 is still missing.
AFI 15-5 investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 525
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR 2010-02?023
February 12, 2010
Afghan-Combined Force Find Three Women Dead, Two Militants in Paktya
Kabul, Afghanistan An Afghan-international combined force found the bodies of three
local women after killing two militants during an assault in Paktya last night. The
women appeared to have been dead for some time.
A combined Afghan-coalition force went to a compound near the village of Khatabeh, in
the Gardez district after intelligence con?rmed militant activity. As the assault force
approached they were met with an imminent threat from the armed militants. The
combined force engaged. killing two militants and wounding two others. None of the
joint force was harmed in the assault.
During the subsequent search of the compound the security force found the bodies of
three local women. There will be an investigation to determine the cause of death.
The joint force also found multiple weapons, including automatic rifles and a grenade.
The Taliban continue to kill innocent Afghan citizens through their indiscriminate attacks
in marketplaces, schools and on public roads. Afghan and coalition forces partner to
protect the Afghan people and to defeat all hostile Taliban organizations.
-30-
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 52?
KEY THEMES AND MESSAGES (NOT FOR RELEASE FOR RESPONSE TO QUERY
Coalition Forces are actively combating militant IED operations
Eliminating militant IED operations are a key focus for Coalition Forces. The highly
indiscriminate nature of IED and suicide IED operations makes them a threat not only to
Afghanistan?s security forces and their Coalition partners, but also to innocent Afghan
civilians. Afghan National Security Forces and their Coalition partners will continue to
aggressively pursue those who would use these weapons to bring harm to civilians.
attempt to destabilize the govemment and impede the overall development of the
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
ANSF, Coalition Partnership vital to securing peace, stability in Afghanistan
Afghan National Security Forces and their Coalition Forces partners have made great
strides in combating the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. That
continued partnership is a key element to defeating those who would threaten innocent
Afghans and their way of life. Together. ANSF and their Coalition partners are striving
to ensure a secure. stable and prosperous future for the people of Afghanistan.
Cultural, Religious sensitivities
Coalition Forces remain keenly aware of all cultural and religious sensitivities of our host
country. To the fullest extent possible. all religions. religious symbols. edi?ces and
practitioners are treated with the appropriate respect.
Protection of non-combatant civilians during operations
Coalition Forces take every precaution to ensure non-combatant civilians are protected
from possible hostilities during the course of every operation. An example of these
precautionary measures includes but is not limited to temporarily relocating non-
combatant civilians away from probable hostilities. Coalition Forces also ensure any
weapons or explosives found during operations are removed or destroyed to ensure
nonicombatant civilians are not inadvertently harmed.
Destruction of weapons caches
Non-combatant civilian safety and security are at the forefront of every Coalition Forces'
operation. With this in mind. Coalition Forces destroy weapons and explosives caches
to prevent accidental harm to non-combatant civilians who may discover the items.
Additionally. destruction of the weapons and explosives ensures militants are denied the
use of the items to bring harm to innocent Afghan people or Afghan National Security
and Coalition Forces.
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 528
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (NOT FOR RELEASE FOR RESPONSE TO QUERY ONLY)
Q: Was anyone injured or killed?
A: There were two militants killed and one wounded.
Q: What are the names of the detainees?
A: Militants often go by several different aliases so it can be dif?cult to determine their
identities until we thoroughly question and individually process them for detention.
Q: Did this operation involve any airstrikes?
A: No. Coalition forces did not use any close air support.
0: Were any women or children present?
A: There were one women and two children protected.
Q: Where were the participating units from?
A: To protect possible future operations, we will not discuss the staging location or
composition of forces.
0: How many personnel participated in the operation?
A: in the interest of preserving operational security, we do not discuss the speci?c
details of forces in use during a mission.
What kind of damage was done to the compound?
A: There was minor damage to the compound.
Q: How and when were the three women killed?
A: The women were found when the force entered . It appeared they had been dead
for some time. There will have to be an investigation to determine cause and
approximate date of death.
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
529
From:
To: (IONS)
Cc:
Subject RE: GUCAS Crisis mitigation
Date: Wedne?y. February 2010 111135?
Attachments: I {busCLASSIFICATION:
CAVEATS: NONE
TERMS: NONE
I oils). ibil?i I
Attached is Post Op Mitigation productost Objective, .11 - 12 FEB 2010, Gardez District
of Poirtyo Province) email.
Pieose keep in mind that these taiking points and sivii affairs recommendations are provided for
discussion with a?iciais and non-media key communicators. They are not intended for
media engagements or discussions with U5. audiences. Seek guidance from PAD personnei prior
to any discussions with media representatives.
Hopefully, you should have already received these. {either directly or via? if not, I?ll
need updated Emails to get you on distro}
The investigation is ongoing and resuits will be published when complete. Unfortunately, I can?t
help w! thendate. i do understand your position. and our to shop works quickiy to push
releasable info out to the far Post On MitigationfCOnsequence Management.
R.
(bll1i1-4?i IblI3l. lblIEJ
Emmi (bio). {bits} I
Sent: Wednesd February 9:2; AM
mum -
Subjed: FW: CIVCAS crisis
Classi?cation
Caveats: No Caveat
Sir,
(min. (no:
AFI 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 530
From: (M331
To:
Subject RE: Phone Number
Date: Friday, February 19, 2010 15:41:59
Sir,
I?ll transfer it over. There was no denial of the erroneous and there were a lot of
erroneous statements (the whole bombardment thing on the objective, for example]. it?s basic PA
knowledge that in an information void, people will draw their own conclusions, truthful or not.
That?s something brigade and CJTF obviouslv don?t understand.
NIPR ?les coming
VR,
{bll3}. {in5)
From: {bll1J1-4a. lbll3i. (ME) I
Serb 1Q 9n1? 7113 PM
7.9.1 (moi. {bll?l
Subject: RE: Phone Number
CAVEATS: NONE
TERMS: NONE
(bll1l1-431 lbll3L ibll5i
Thanks,
{bii1l1.43. lbil?
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Pektya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
531
From:
To:
(MUN-4E1. (103(3). {bite-J
Cc:
subject: 1 1.43 1 12 FEB 2010, Gardez District of Paktya Province
Date: Friday, February 12, 2010 09:55:31
At?chmEnis: i
CLASSIFICATION-SEW
CAVEATS: NONE
TERMS: NONE
ALCON,
Attached are the postoperation products for the operation in Paktya last
night.
Please call with any questions or concerns.
Wr,
ibii1i1l431 (WE)
AF: 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
532
DECLASSIFY ON: 25 YEARS FROM DATE OF
DATE OF SOURCE: 1 MAY 2006
CLASSIFICATION
CAVEATS WIO ATCH: NONE
TERMS ATCH: NONE
CAVEATS: NONE
TERMS: NONE
AH 15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10 533
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
(bits)
I b31111.4pras Releasa for 12 Feb to
Friday, February 12, mm [15:39:PRESS RELE
The releases for 12 Feb are attached. Piease contact us if you have any questions.
?3 (1)1431 {him}.
HIE-II
15-5 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
534
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
ibii?i
TWO embargo-ed RIAB Messages onl ?b3?1l14a I
Thursday, February:' 18, 2010 16:36: 4
7? t? M95539 0 ll". -
Gentlemen, as requested, here are the two messages we have so far produced and translated. It's
coming on NIPR since that is how we deliver our messages to the RIABs. There is no unclassi?ed
information in them and dwey contain no Operational details that have not already been exhaustively
roported in the Afghan pras.
We look forward to receiving your guidance and approval so we can ?nally get our side of the story out.
Thank you.
Very Respect?rlw,
(bil?i
15-6 Investigation of Gardez District Paktya Province Operation. 12 Feb 10
535