Governor wants apology and compensation from U.S. troops for killing 10 Iraqis

 

By Talib al-Zamili

 

Azzaman, February 13, 2010

 

The Governor of Missan has formally asked U.S. troops for an apology and compensation for the killing of 10 Iraqis in his province.

 

Mohammed al-Sudani described those killed in a joint U.S.-Iraqi operation as “martyrs” and said the victims’ families should be both “morally and materially” compensated.

 

The join force was carrying out an operation in Ali al-Sharqi, a district within Missan’s provincial borders. U.S. troops have declined comment but an Iraqi army general said the joint force came under attack first.

 

The Province of Missan of which Amara is the capital is one of the most impoverished in Iraq.

 

Abject poverty and extremely high unemployment rates are reported to be behind the latest upsurge in insecurity and crime in the province.

 

Sudani said the operation was illegal because “it took place without permission from the local authorities.”

 

“The joint military operation took place while the government and the province were not aware of it. This constitutes a violation of the local authority in Missan. It is necessary that U.S. troops apologize and compensate the citizens,” he said.

 

Two Iraqi commissions are investigating the incident, one by the provincial authorities and one by the ministry of defense.

 

Lt. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari, who led the Iraqi side, said the joint force was after “a number of wanted persons” in the province.

 

Sudani said the province’s inhabitants were “furious and angry”.

 

At least 12 people were captured during the operation and Sudani said all should be released immediately.

 

The provincial authorities are keen to show to their people that they and not the U.S. are in charge in the province.

 

Maytham Lafta, a senior provincial security official, said 10 people were killed in the operation, seven of them from one family.