What do you think of the latest 'friendly fire' incident - where American pilots strafe a British convoy ?

Answer 1

The real issue is that the Air Force and/or Department of Defense misused the classification system in an apparent effort to cover up facts. A serious mistake was made and a fatal accident occurred because of it. The question remains: was there negligence, perhaps criminal negligence, involved in the incident itself? If there was, who was responsible? If not, why would the AF and/or DOD classify the tape 'SECRET' to justify not releasing it? On the news cast I saw the pilots clearly questioned the recognition placards on the vehicles and were told that 'there were no friendlies this far north'. After the attack they were informed that it may have been a 'blue on blue' incident meaning fratricide or friendly-fire. You can hear the remorse and fear in their voices....

Answer 2

In any war, friendly-fires are bound to occur. Most people agree and accept that. But the whole controversy came out because of the injustice committed to the family of the killed British soldier. For years, the family had been struggling to know the details about the soldier's death. The British military investigators at the beginning, deceived the family by denying that there was a video transcript outlining the events that led to the British soldier's death. Then after a long time, the British investigators admitted to the family that there is indeed a video, but that the family weren't allowed to watch it, because the video belongs to the U.S. military. The Pentagon tried to downplay the event and declined to cooperate with the British investigation. The Pentagon tried to obstruct the facts by telling the British investigators that the video is a property of the U.S. government, and therefore the British military don't have the right to use the video for its investigation.

Now as we all know it, the video suddenly came out into the open through the news media. The Pentagon had to change its position by issuing a statement saying that the British can now use the video on the investigations.

From 2003 to 2007, that's how long the painful ordeal the family had to endure before they finally learn the whole truth about their loved one's death.

Would it be alright for any British or American family who lost a loved one in the war to be deceived by the military and never told of the whole truth on the circumstances behind their soldier's death?. How would the family feel about being betrayed by the very same institution to which their soldier gave his life for?.

Answer 3

Sorry Vibrance 0404 it was 4 years ago and the full story was reported back then, however, there is a tape that was illegally leaked a couple of days ago by The Sun Newspaper.
Seems to me the news in your country has presented this in such a way as to deceive you.

Releasing this illegally acquired tape only serves to sadden the family of the victim and inflame the America haters. This is exactly what the newspaper, The Sun in the UK, intended when it released it. By the the way the Sun is considered a tabloid publication.

Answer 4

I just saw that video and feel awful for the parents of that soldier who died and all those who were injuried..
I am sure it will cause a lot of anger between the two countries, which is already there..

It comes at a bad time, but right on time, since we are facing our own civil war in this country.. I can see people killing each other pretty soon and it scares me..

I am sure it will get twisted and hate be the result..

Anywho..

Answer 5

This type of thing happens in a time of war. The US airmen were told by their strike coordinators that there were enemies in the area, and weren't told otherwise until it was too late.

The airmen expressed extreme immediate regret and sorrow. They realised what they had done and anguished.

But these types of things happen. Perhaps too often, but the way wars are fought, they are happen.

The best thing we can do it try and keep them to a minimum.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

It's an accident. The responsibility lies with those who didn't inform the American pilots that there were British troops on the ground.
It doesn't bring anyone back. But it was an accident.

Answer 7

what can anyone think but that it was a tragic accident. These things happen in war and hey do you know what the American pilots have to live with this as well you know

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Didn't hear about it yet. Its always tragic. Its a matter for the field commanders to work out, not us on this board.

I guess I did hear about it four years ago. Why are you bringing this up now? A little schmear on the current situation maybe?

Answer 10

'Friendly Fire' happens.

Battles are often organized messes and complete confusion.

I feel sorry for all involved including the ruined careers and lives of the soldiers involved.

Don't feed the press's fire - this incident has been dealt with by the MoD and the US Military.