More on that burning issue

Thanks and hattip to Brogonzo for this update on the Afghan incident mentioned yesterday: http://guambatstew.blogspot.com/2005/10/burning-issue-with-some-folks.html

October 19, 2005Release Number: 05-10-71 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTCOM CONDEMNS ALLEGATIONS OF DESECRATION

MacDill AFB, FL -- Recent media reports out of Afghanistan have alleged that U.S. forces were involved in an incident involving the desecration of the bodies of deceased enemy combatants.

Under no circumstances does U.S. Central Command condone the desecration, abuse or inappropriate treatment of enemy combatants. Such actions are contrary to U.S. policy as well as the Geneva Convention.

The Army Criminal Investigation Division has initiated an investigation into the alleged misconduct. Should that investigation uncover actions by U.S. personnel that were contrary to the Geneva Convention and U.S. policy, legal and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=20051071.txt

October 20, 2005 Release Number: 05-10-74

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE: ALLEGED MISCONDUCT BY U.S. FORCES

KABUL , Afghanistan – The Army Criminal Investigation Division continues its investigation into alleged misconduct by U.S. service members, including the burning of two dead enemy combatant bodies under inappropriate circumstances.

“The inflammatory nature of this allegation raises two pertinent concerns that the command is investigating,” said Army Colonel Jim Yonts, Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan , Public Affairs Officer.

“First, the command does not advocate, nor does the command tolerate, the wrongful desecration of anyone’s remains.

Second, the use of broadcast messages in conjunction with an act such as this does not represent the values and beliefs of this command therefore necessitating a procedural and policy review.”

“These are very serious allegations and if true, they are reprehensible. If the investigation reveals misconduct those responsible will be held accountable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” he said.

http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=20051074.txt

I gotta admit: this gave me a few goosebumps of pride when I read it. It sure puts the fire out on those marshmellow toasting extremists of the Rambo persuasion.