Probe begins into captive Briton's death
Source: Agencies |
October 13, 2010, Wednesday
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UNITED States and United Kingdom military officials have started what's promised as a thorough investigation into the death of a kidnapped British aid worker who may have been killed in error by US special forces - rather than, as originally stated, by her Taliban captors.
Linda Norgrove's death has reverberated through the corridors of power from Kabul, to London, to Washington - where US President Barack Obama expressed condolences and pledged "to get to the bottom" of what happened during the deadly raid.
Norgrove, 36, and six insurgents were killed on Friday after US special forces stormed a compound in eastern Kunar Province where she had been held for two weeks. Norgrove and three Afghan colleagues were ambushed and kidnapped on September 26. Her colleagues were quickly freed.
NATO said initially Norgrove was killed by her captors. On Monday, however, alliance officials said new information indicated Norgrove may have been killed by a US grenade.
"The review showed what was believed to be a member of the rescue team throwing a hand grenade in the area near where Ms Norgrove was later found," said NATO spokeswoman Major Sunset Belinsky. "It's now unclear what the exact circumstances surrounding her death are, and the investigation will attempt to determine the facts."
The White House said Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron both said the rescue operation was necessary and "agreed that it was now essential to get to the bottom of what had happened."
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen emphasized that "whatever happened, I would like to stress that those who are responsible of course are the captors."
British Foreign Secretary William Hague told parliament on Monday Norgrove's kidnappers were members of a local Salafist group allied to the Taliban, al-Qaida, and other insurgents. Salafist militants seek to revive strict Muslim doctrine dating to the 6th century Prophet Muhammad.
"At no stage was any serious attempt made to negotiate by those holding her," Hague said.
The probe will be led by US Army Major General Joseph Votel of US Special Operations Command. The UK will appoint Brigadier Rob Nitsch, head of logistics for British forces in Afghanistan, to "work closely" with the Votel, Cameron's office said.
Linda Norgrove's death has reverberated through the corridors of power from Kabul, to London, to Washington - where US President Barack Obama expressed condolences and pledged "to get to the bottom" of what happened during the deadly raid.
Norgrove, 36, and six insurgents were killed on Friday after US special forces stormed a compound in eastern Kunar Province where she had been held for two weeks. Norgrove and three Afghan colleagues were ambushed and kidnapped on September 26. Her colleagues were quickly freed.
NATO said initially Norgrove was killed by her captors. On Monday, however, alliance officials said new information indicated Norgrove may have been killed by a US grenade.
"The review showed what was believed to be a member of the rescue team throwing a hand grenade in the area near where Ms Norgrove was later found," said NATO spokeswoman Major Sunset Belinsky. "It's now unclear what the exact circumstances surrounding her death are, and the investigation will attempt to determine the facts."
The White House said Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron both said the rescue operation was necessary and "agreed that it was now essential to get to the bottom of what had happened."
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen emphasized that "whatever happened, I would like to stress that those who are responsible of course are the captors."
British Foreign Secretary William Hague told parliament on Monday Norgrove's kidnappers were members of a local Salafist group allied to the Taliban, al-Qaida, and other insurgents. Salafist militants seek to revive strict Muslim doctrine dating to the 6th century Prophet Muhammad.
"At no stage was any serious attempt made to negotiate by those holding her," Hague said.
The probe will be led by US Army Major General Joseph Votel of US Special Operations Command. The UK will appoint Brigadier Rob Nitsch, head of logistics for British forces in Afghanistan, to "work closely" with the Votel, Cameron's office said.
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