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| Afghanistan |
| Self-defence in NZ SAS shooting |
| 2011-01-14 |
| New Zealand SAS soldiers involved in a Christmas Eve shootout in which two Afghan security guards were killed have been cleared by two investigations into the incident. Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae said an investigation by the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force and another by the Defence Force, found the soldiers were fired upon first and had acted appropriately. The soldiers were part of an Afghan Crisis Response Unit called out after intelligence indicated a rocket or explosives attack on the American embassy in Kabul was imminent. General Mateparae said video footage showed an Afghan security guard opened fire on the soldiers, who returned fire in self-defence. That security guard was injured and left the scene but two more security guards, armed with AK47 weapons, took up firing positions metres from the soldiers. "New Zealand forces yelled a command for the Afghans to stop. Because they were in immediate danger they then returned fire at the two Afghan security guards, which resulted in their deaths." Heat plumes on the video showed at least one of the security guards had opened fire on the soldiers, General Mateparae said. There were 37 seconds between the first and last shots fired. After the shooting the SAS soldiers cleared nearby buildings and gave medical treatment to the wounded Afghans. Items consistent with the intelligence report were found and validated the operation, General Mateparae said. He was satisfied the SAS had carried out the operation appropriately. "Having reviewed the circumstances I am satisfied that members of the SAS responded with discipline, professionalism and courage to the threats they faced." ISAF did not intend investigating the matter further. Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said the reports showed the SAS had acted within the carefully prescribed rules of engagement. "The Afghans fired first and the SAS returned fire in self-defence. These reports verify the initial briefings that I received from the Defence Force." Soon after the event, Nawid Shah Sakhizada, whose family owned the factory that was the scene of the shootout, told The Times of London he was fired at as he tried to leave his office. He said he spoke to two New Zealand soldiers who led the raid, Sean and James. "They asked me if I was the owner of the building and they said they were really sorry," Mr. Sakhizada said. "But I say apology is not enough. Tomorrow I will have to go to these men's families ... I told them: `You did not kill two cows. You killed two human beings'." Other reports at the time said the gunfire had lasted an hour, no explosives were found at the scene and that the dead men had been shot in the head. Gee, I wonder who came up with those "reports". What happened here? Was the Afghan fire friendly or hostile? I can't figure out where Nawid Shah Sakhizada fits in here. Nor can I figure out his frame of mind. If it was a friendly fire incident and the SAS apologized, it sounds like he's just fanning the flames. AoS at 1620 CT: moved to Afghanistan. WoT Operations is just right for this post. |
| Posted by:gorb |
| #5 NX? 1) that's the new NZ. 2) Or my fat fingers.... bet on #2 |
| Posted by: Frank G 2011-01-14 20:57 |
| #4 It sounds like the Afghan security guards either were Taliban or had a Sudden Jihad Syndrome moment, and Mr. Sakhizada either supported them or went to the default "It must be the infidel's fault, by definition." |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2011-01-14 20:45 |
| #3 Afghan security guards vs. New Zealand SAS? Jeez, wonder who I'm putting my money on... |
| Posted by: tu3031 2011-01-14 19:59 |
| #2 Nawid Shah Sakhizada needs a rifle butt to his head. I guess the NX guys should've let themselves be killed to keep from being oppressive? F*ck him. I'd keep an eye on him |
| Posted by: Frank G 2011-01-14 19:04 |
| #1 Sorry. I probably should have put this under WoT Politics. |
| Posted by: gorb 2011-01-14 17:08 |