The American Military In Afghanistan Will Delay Casualty Reports Until Next Of Kin Have Been Reported

U.S. Army General John Nicholson, Commander of Resolute Support forces and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, arrives for a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan April 14, 2017. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

Reuters: U.S. military in Afghanistan will delay casualty reports

The American military in Afghanistan says it will delay announcing troop casualties until after next of kin have been notified, potentially leaving casualties unreported for days.

The change in policy was instituted by General John Nicholson, the senior U.S. commander in Kabul, over fears that families could be left guessing for days after casualties were announced but not identified and before families could be notified, said military spokesman Captain Bill Salvin.

"It's a balance we're trying to strike between trying to provide all the support we can to families, while also informing the public," he told Reuters.

Previously, the U.S. military command in Kabul issued a initial announcement only stating that a soldier had been killed, often including a general location within Afghanistan, but not identifying him.

Once the soldier's family or next of kin had been notified, the Pentagon would release more details, including names and home units.

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WNU Editor: I was surprised yesterday on how quick the Pentagon declared Pfc. Hansen B. Kirkpatrick after just announcing the firefight had killed one U.S. soldier. Now I know why .... he had actually died from an attack a few days ago, but the announcement of the attack and his death came about only after the family had been notified.