California Paper Gets Scoop on New Atrocity Allegations in Iraq

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By: E&P Staff The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is investigating "credible allegations of wrongdoing" by Marines during a battle in Fallouja, Iraq, in November 2004, the agency has confirmed. The report first appeared several days ago in the North County Times, the daily paper just north of San Diego.

The paper had cited sources saying that five to 10 Marines were being investigated in the deaths of several captured insurgents.

The newspaper reported, "A source with direct knowledge of the investigation told the North County Times last week that about 20 current and former Marines have been interviewed and that several have been read their rights, an indication that criminal charges could result.

"Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the killing of a captured enemy combatant who does not present a threat is considered murder.

"The Marines are believed to have been involved in the deaths of as many as eight insurgents who had been captured during the battle, according to the sources.....

"One of the Marines has said that the troops believed they were carrying out the orders of their commanders when the insurgents were shot, according to one source....

"Sources have said the Fallujah investigation arose as a result of the ongoing prosecution of three Camp Pendleton enlisted Marines charged with murder in the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in the city of Haditha on Nov. 19, 2005. Four officers face charges of dereliction of duty for failing to fully investigate those deaths."


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