Posted on 06/16/2006 9:50:40 AM PDT by areafiftyone
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Army general investigating whether military personnel tried to cover up any part of the alleged massacre of up to two dozen Iraqi civilians in Haditha late last year has completed his report.
Army Maj. Gen. Eldon A. Bargewell has sent his report to Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, the second-ranking commander in Iraq, and U.S. military officials there were expected to announce that Friday, according to a senior defense official. No information about his findings was provided.
The official, who requested anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made, said there is no timetable for how long Chiarelli will review the report.
The Haditha case centers on allegations that a small number of Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment murdered 24 Iraqi civilians _ included unarmed women and children _ on Nov. 19 after a roadside bomb in the town killed one of their fellow Marines.
Bargewell has just one piece of the investigation _ whether the Marines followed proper procedures in reporting about the incident to commanders, or whether anyone engaged in a cover-up. His investigation also may consider whether any criminal charges should be brought in connection with deliberate attempts to lie about the incident.
A second probe is also under way by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service into what exactly happened that day, and whether criminal _ or even murder _ charges should be brought against those involved.
Officials have been expecting Bargewell's report. Member of Congress have said they want to hold hearings into the matter and said they would like to hear first from Bargewell.
Pray for our Troops!
BUMP
One down, one to go.
I would assume that if the troops are cleared in the area the General won't take too long to review the report. Does that sound right?
One would expect so.
Thanks for the post.
Thanks for the ping.
No shouldn't take long at all. Keeping my fingers crossed for our troops!
You are quite welcome. Keeping fingers crossed and praying for our troops!
I'm praying this entire thing blows over.
Sounds like this person does not have the backbone to stand up for his actions when they are clearly not proper. This release of information certainly does not rank with exposing any criminal conduct yet some twit decides the press should know the report was released, anonymously of course.
Whistle blowers should be praised when they expose wrong doing. Scum like this just want to make their petty little lives seem important to some reporter.
Members of Congress have said they want to hold hearings into the matter.
i.e. "let's try to score some political points on the backs of our troops in the field" What a sorry-a$$ bunch!
homestretch, ping..
It is a sad commentary when we have to pray for our soldiers' safety from the dangers of our own politicians.
Thank you for your support.
When these Marines are exonerated;
I hope the MSM will be as diligent in reporting their innocence.
But we Marines will not be holding our collective breath.
Semper Fi,
Kelly
Does anyone have any idea how long it will take for this information to be released to the public? Everything gets leaked, except the stuff I really want to know.
Excellent statement and sadly so true. Pray for our Marines.
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