--- WARNING: STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC VIDEO ---
The video shows what appears to be American forces in Afghanistan urinating on dead Taliban fighters. It has been posted on Youtube and other websites and is now being called "utterly deplorable" by the US Defense Department and a quote "despicable" by International Security Assistance Force spokesman Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE SPOKESMAN BRIGADIER GENERAL CARSTEN JACOBSON, SAYING:
"Obviously we are aware of a video that was posted on a public website showing , obviously U.S. personnel in a situation where they are disrespecting dead bodes, that we are seeing on this video. This is a despicable picture and therefore the immediate reaction is obviously that we are looking into it for whoever is responsible. The United States has started an investigation. ISAAC of course is will do anything to support this."
There are concerns that the video could could set back efforts to broker peace talks just as the Obama administration is launching a fresh round of shuttle diplomacy.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE SPOKESMAN BRIGADIER GENERAL CARSTEN JACOBSON, SAYING:
"Well it is difficult to say what its long term impact this will might have and I would not get into speculation But obviously any sort of footage any sort of activity of this kind that is grossly against all the moral values that the coalition forces are standing for are very much working against our course and against everything that we are standing for and that we are here for. Though a thorough investigation will look into the case, we will find the ones who are responsible and hold them accountable."
A spokesman for the Afghan Taliban said on Thursday that the video will not affect efforts to broker peace talks.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.
Comments