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Marine Didn't Suspect Haditha Wrongdoing (Report: Marine Says Haditha Not Unusual )
Las Vegas Sun ^ | 19 Aug 06

Posted on 08/19/2006 10:21:18 AM PDT by xzins

Marine Didn't Suspect Haditha Wrongdoing

ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Marine officer in charge of troops suspected of killing 24 Iraqi men, women and children told investigators he did not initiate an inquiry into the carnage because he did not consider the deaths unusual, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

In a sworn statement given to military investigators in March, Lt. Col. Jeffrey R. Chessani said: "I thought it was very sad, very unfortunate, but at the time, I did not suspect any wrongdoing from my Marines." Chessani was commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Marines.

"I did not have any reason to believe that this was anything other than combat action," he added.

The Post said it obtained a copy of Chessani's statement.

Reached by telephone late Friday, Marine Lt. Col. Sean Gibson, a spokesman on the Haditha case, said he had not seen the report and could not comment.

The Marine Corps has been investigating whether its troops deliberately killed the Iraqis in Haditha. The Marines also are looking into whether efforts were made to cover up the incident. Initially, the Marine Corps reported that 15 Iraqis had died in a roadside bombing or were caught in crossfire between Marines and insurgents. Survivors of the encounter and human rights groups, however, claimed that 24 Iraqi civilians had been deliberately shot to death by Marines.

The New York Times reported Thursday that military investigators have concluded that the Marines destroyed or withheld evidence.

No charges have been brought in the Haditha killings, and the official results of the Marine investigation have not been released. Chessani, who has been relieved of his duties, has not spoken publicly about the incident.

According to the Post, Chessani's statement was provided by a source "sympathetic" to the Marines involved in the case. The incident occurred in a dangerous area where insurgent attacks were common.

Because attacks were so common, Chessani told investigators he saw the incident as part of a "complex attack" staged by the enemy, according to the newspaper. "I did not see any cause for alarm," he said.

The Haditha case is among recent cases of alleged atrocities against Iraqi civilians. Five soldiers and a former solider have been charged with raping and killing a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and killing her relatives in Mahmoudiya. Seven Marines and one Navy corpsman have been charged with premeditated murder in connection with the killing of an Iraqi man in Hamdania on April 26.


TOPICS: Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: disinformation; haditha; information; iraq; islamofascism; marines; propaganda; terrorist; wot
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According to the Post, Chessani's statement was provided by a source "sympathetic" to the Marines involved in the case. The incident occurred in a dangerous area where insurgent attacks were common.

Because attacks were so common, Chessani told investigators he saw the incident as part of a "complex attack" staged by the enemy, according to the newspaper. "I did not see any cause for alarm," he said.

"A part of a complex attack" makes perfect sense to me. This Marine Battalion Commander has been irreparably injured by Murtha as well. This incident will ruin his career, imho, and ensure that he never advances.

To even get looked at for battalion command means that you're among the best of the best.

I heard the lawyer for the SSG on TV last night, and his explanation of events was entirely credible. He said that the ROE called for them to clear rooms by first rolling in a grenade, and then entering in a four stack spraying rounds throughout the room.

The real culprits are the terrorists who shot from behind civilians. And since these terrorists dress as civilians, there's no telling how many of the "civilians" were or were not aiding/abetting the terrorists.

If you give away "free shots" to your enemy, then it is you who will die and not them.

That is one immoral thing a soldier can do to himself and his family....not defend himself.

1 posted on 08/19/2006 10:21:20 AM PDT by xzins
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To: P-Marlowe; Coop; SandRat; pissant; blue-duncan; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

ping to article


2 posted on 08/19/2006 10:22:22 AM PDT by xzins (Retired Army Chaplain and proud of it! Supporting our troops means praying for them to WIN!)
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To: xzins

In a related story, John Murtha is still a traitor and a disgrace to the uniform he once wore.


3 posted on 08/19/2006 10:23:44 AM PDT by stm (Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence)
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To: xzins
This Marine Battalion Commander has been irreparably injured by Murtha as well. This incident will ruin his career, imho,

Yeh....its a shame but many patriotic voters are getting ready to ruin/end Murtha's lame career as well.

4 posted on 08/19/2006 10:25:33 AM PDT by tflabo (Take authority that's ours)
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To: xzins
Survivors of the encounter and human rights groups, however, claimed that 24 Iraqi civilians had been deliberately shot to death by Marines.

An important piece of this puzzle to remember.

5 posted on 08/19/2006 10:26:04 AM PDT by digger48
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To: digger48; P-Marlowe; pissant

I doubt the "human rights groups" were witnesses.

And there's reason to doubt the word of "survivors."

There is only one question that is relevant in my tiny little brain, and that is this: "After the IED went off, did these Marines receive fire or did they not?"

Answer that question and you answer this entire case.

The Marines say that they did.


6 posted on 08/19/2006 10:28:20 AM PDT by xzins (Retired Army Chaplain and proud of it! Supporting our troops means praying for them to WIN!)
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To: xzins
Well did the rate of IED ambushes decrease in this neighborhood for awhile after this?
Hopefully so!

Our troops are NOT meant to be targets at an allah you can kill slime buffett!

We shoot back!!!!

7 posted on 08/19/2006 10:30:03 AM PDT by rawcatslyentist (I'd rather be carrying a shotgun with Dick, than riding shotgun with a Kennedyl! *-0(:~{>)
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To: digger48

http://michellemalkin.com/archives/005385.htm

Free the Pendleton 8... link


8 posted on 08/19/2006 10:35:35 AM PDT by tflabo (Take authority that's ours)
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To: xzins
"After the IED went off, did these Marines receive fire or did they not?"

Answer that question and you answer this entire case.

The Marines say that they did.

Exactly! And to emphasize how inept and inaccurate the initial statements of Jack Murtha were, he stated there was no IED that went off at the onset of this engagement.

I am very interested to know the motives for Murtha to have come out with the statement that these Marines are guilty of "cold blooded murder."

9 posted on 08/19/2006 10:40:07 AM PDT by jazusamo (DIANA IREY for Congress, PA 12th District: Retire murtha.)
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To: xzins; digger48

The "human rights group" referenced here is one individual, sometimes also referred to as a rookie journalist which implies that he is a kid when he is in his forties.

He lived across the street from the event, supposedly witnessed the whole thing from his rooftop but did not bother to film any of it until the following day, after the bodies had been moved.

Another "journalist" at the scene either during or right after also failed to take any photos during or after the battle.

Both of these two "journalists" (and one-man-human-rights-group) are connected to the insurgents, as is the medical examiner who is one of the complainants. And none of them said anything for months after the incident.

This is why I am inclined to think its a hoax. A tragic hoax, for the people who died, but a hoax.


10 posted on 08/19/2006 10:41:33 AM PDT by marron
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To: jazusamo

My take on Murtha's motive and his "conversion" to a Moveon.org, anti-solider legislator is that he had to make a trade with the whacko democrats for their help in preventing corruption charges involving his funneling kickback defense contracts to his brother.


11 posted on 08/19/2006 10:42:39 AM PDT by xzins (Retired Army Chaplain and proud of it! Supporting our troops means praying for them to WIN!)
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To: rawcatslyentist

We better shoot back.

NO FREE SHOTS!


12 posted on 08/19/2006 10:44:56 AM PDT by xzins (Retired Army Chaplain and proud of it! Supporting our troops means praying for them to WIN!)
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To: xzins

Now that makes sense, and would be something Moveon.Org would pull!


13 posted on 08/19/2006 10:48:27 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (History is soon Forgotten,)
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To: digger48
"Survivors of the encounter and human rights groups, however, claimed that 24 Iraqi civilians had been deliberately shot to death by Marines. "
"An important piece of this puzzle to remember."

Why?

Regardless of WHO said it -- Almost EVERYONE killed by Marines are DELIBERATELY killed.
Marines kill those they INTEND to kill.

Unless it can be PROVED by a credible non Muslim witness, or forensic evidence that KNOWN noncombatants were killed in violation of ROE in force at the time - there is NOTHING criminal about the Marine's behavior in this case.

I have heard of NEITHER a credible witness or forensic evidence against these Marines or their Corpsman.
Nor has it been credibly reported that the Marines violated their ROE at anytime during the engagement.
If fact - I don't think there have even been any charges filed against them.

To date - this is still no more than a media kangaroo court, with Murtha as the chief shit slinger.
He will end up with most of it in his face.

QUESTION: Where is all the "interest" or "outrage" over the routine mutilation, dismemberment or defiling of "innocents" by the Islamonazis in the world?

Does ignoring the ROUTINE violation of civility by Muslims, mean mainstream media EXPECTES and ACCEPTS this behavior from the enemy?

Semper Fi

14 posted on 08/19/2006 10:49:07 AM PDT by river rat (You may turn the other cheek, but I prefer to look into my enemy's vacant dead eyes.)
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To: NormsRevenge; Marine_Uncle

fyi


15 posted on 08/19/2006 10:49:14 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (History is soon Forgotten,)
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To: xzins

You make a good point Chaplin. I believe that's a strong possibility and if true would reflect his lack of integrity in past events in his career.


16 posted on 08/19/2006 10:51:05 AM PDT by jazusamo (DIANA IREY for Congress, PA 12th District: Retire murtha.)
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To: xzins

http://www.irey.com/



HELP

http://www.bootmurtha.com/



Smart kid.


Hayden Malloy, 3, shies away from U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Pa., left, as he enters a campaign stop for Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell in Carrolltown, Pa. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006. A Marine Corps sergeant under investigation in connection with the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha is accusing Rep. John P. Murtha of defaming him in public comments about the case. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)






Help the 'Pendleton 8' and their families.




Charity for the Pendleton 8. Click here. Paypal Available!! For every donation of $20, the doner will receive a free T-shirt to help spread the news of these brave Americans. Be sure to include your size of MEdium, Large, X-Large or XX-Large. Click on the T-shirts for a direct link to PAYPAL.
PAYPAL VERIFIED ACCOUNT





The 'Pendleton 8': A look at the 7 Marines and Navy corpsman charged in Hamdania incident
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670877/posts


VIDEO-Camp Pendleton demonstration for Marines
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1655852/posts


Marine families wait and worry; (Frustrations, anger expressed by relatives of Pendleton 8)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1671948/posts


-0-

Attorney: Col. visited ‘Pendleton 8’ before announcing charges
Navy Times article - 07/28/06

Accused troops' supporters busy fundraising - Hamdaniya / 'Pendleton 8' defense funds ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1654104/posts


Dozens rally at Camp Pendleton gates(24 June 2006) ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1655341/posts


Military justice under spotlight in Hamdania case - 'Pendleton 8' - 7 Marines, 1 Navy Corpsman ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1655333/posts


Lawyers for Marines, medic plan counterattack in Iraq murder case - Hamdaniya - 'Pendleton 8' ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1656712/posts


FREE REPUBLIC EXCLUSIVE: DIRECT INFORMATION ON THE 7 MARINES AND SAILOR HELD FOR MURDER
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1659084/posts


Defending the accused: Many attorneys in Hamdania case practiced law .. in military - 'Pendleton 8'
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1659351/posts


Letter reportedly from accused servicemen expresses thanks(Camp Pendleton 8)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1660140/posts


Delay is likely for (Camp)Pendleton(8) hearings
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1668925/posts


Attorneys for accused troops say Marine Corps hampering defenses
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1669976/posts


-0-

Some of the familes and supporters of the 7 Hamdaniya Marines & a Navy Corpsman, now charged with multiple criminal offenses, have setup web sites for use in accepting donations for legal defense funds or sending notes of encouragement and support to the detainees and their families.

Cpl. Robert Pennington
http://www.defendrob.com


PFC John Jodka
http://www.innocentmarine.com


Tyler Jackson
http://www.fightingfortyler.com


Cpl. Marshall Magincalda
http://www.defendourmarine.com


Cpl. Trent Thomas
http://www.defensefundformyhero.com


Lance Cpl Jerry Shumate
http://friendsofjerry.blogspot.com/


Hospital Corpsman Third Class Melson J. Bacos
http://patriotdefensefund.com/



Other sites supporting the men:

http://www.defendthetruth.com

http://www.warrior-fund.org

If your financial situation permits, please help as you can to cover legal representation costs.

Thanks!

17 posted on 08/19/2006 10:54:42 AM PDT by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ......Help the "Pendleton 8' and families -- http://www.freerepublic.com/~normsrevenge/)
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To: river rat

You are correct, no charges have been filed to date.

Also, the first investigation has been completed for weeks in regards to the possible coverup and it was found there was no coverup.


18 posted on 08/19/2006 10:55:56 AM PDT by jazusamo (DIANA IREY for Congress, PA 12th District: Retire murtha.)
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To: xzins; 91B; HiJinx; Spiff; MJY1288; Calpernia; clintonh8r; TEXOKIE; windchime; Grampa Dave; ...

PING


19 posted on 08/19/2006 10:59:51 AM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
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To: tflabo
The Marine Battalion Commander will be the next senator form his state in the shoes of John Hanoi kerry.
20 posted on 08/19/2006 11:34:03 AM PDT by mountainlyons (Hard core conservative)
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