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Soldier May Have Left Base Twice To Kill Afghan Civilians
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Mar 25, 2012
Modified Mar 26, 2012
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Mar 25, 2012
Modified Mar 26, 2012
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American military officials now believe that Staff Sergeant Robert Bales committed the murder of 17 Afghan civilians in two separate incidents, sources told the AP. While this scenario would mean that Bales had more time to commit the alleged crime, it also implies that Bales somehow left the base undetected twice. An Afghan parliamentary team still believes that as many as 20 American soldiers were responsible.
Bales, who was formally charged by the military on Friday, allegedly left the U.S. military base the first time armed with a 9mm handgun and an M-4 rifle outfitted with a grenade launcher.
The AP also reports that the U.S. has paid $50,000 in compensation for each Afghan civilian killed to the victim's family. Six others were wounded, and they each received $11,000. A Kandahar provincial councilmember told the outlet that the families "were told the money came from U.S. president Barack Obama."
"As the settlement of claims is in most cases a sensitive topic for those who have suffered loss, it is usually a matter of agreement that the terms of the settlement remain confidential," a spokesman for NATO and the U.S. military said.
Tagged
afghan war
afghanistan
robert bales
tragedies
us military
veterans
war
war on terror
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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