Afghanistan: German Commander 'In Possible Breach Of Rules' Over Air Strike

German soldiers prepare for a mission in Kabul. Photo from The Daily Mail

From The Telegraph:

A German commander who ordered an air strike on fuel tankers that killed dozens of Afghans used intelligence from a single observer in a possible breach of tactical rules.

An American warplane dropped 500lb bombs on the tankers after they were hijacked by Taliban militants and then became stuck in a river.

Reports suggested dozens of civilians could have been burned alive alongside the militants as villagers crowded round the lorries to collect fuel before the bombs struck in northern Kunduz province.

The Washington Post reported grainy live video footage seen by the officer from the F15 jet had not been distinct enough to identify the figures seen around the tanker, and would not have shown them carrying weapons.

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My Comment: Last year the German soldiers were accused of being "too fat to fight Taliban because they drink so much" .... but this case has become more serious.

There are going to be consequences from this air strike, and it puts into question the entire German commitment to the Afghan War effort.