Military Accuses Six of Abusing Detainees in Iraq
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2004 – The military is going to prefer charges against six
soldiers accused of abusing detainees at the Abu Gharib prison, coalition officials
announced today in Baghdad.
Military spokesman Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt also said the anticipated spike in
attacks against coalition targets expected at the March 19 anniversary of the start of
military operations in Iraq did not occur.
Kimmitt said the charges against the six personnel are a result of a criminal probe
begun in January. The six personnel have been administratively reassigned, pending
investigation results. They are being charged with criminal offenses to include
conspiracy, dereliction of duty, cruelty and maltreatment, assault and indecent acts
with another.
"The coalition takes all reports of detainee abuse seriously and all allegations of
mistreatment are investigated, Kimmitt said. "We are committed to treating all persons
under coalition control with dignity respect and humanity. Coalition personnel are
expected to act appropriately, humanely and in a manner consistent with the Geneva
Conventions."
The International Committee of the Red Cross examines the prison and the procedures
used there. While the detainees are not prisoners of war, they are treated in
accordance with the Geneva Conventions, Kimmitt said.
At the same time the criminal investigation began, Combined Joint Task Force 7
commander Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez ordered another investigation to examine the
administrative and procedural policies at Abu Gharib. That report has been delivered
to Sanchez and details will be released later, Kimmitt said.
The general said over the past week there have been an average of 21 engagements daily
against coalition military personnel, just under three attacks daily against Iraqi
security forces and just over four attacks against Iraqi civilians. These numbers are
in the same range as weeks past, he said.
In Baghdad, Operation Iron Promise continues, Kimmitt said. Since the operation began
March 16, 1st Armored Division soldiers had captured 99 enemy personnel, and had
confiscated 154 weapons and 75 artillery and rocket rounds. They also confiscated
significant quantities of improvised explosive device materials.
In western Iraq, small-arms fire brought down a helicopter. The two pilots are
unscathed, and a quick-reaction force secured the area.
Coalition spokesman Dan Senor said the Iraqi Governing Council will name an Iraqi
Defense Minister within the next week.
Biography:
Lt. Gen. Ricardo
Sanchez
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