Military

DATE= 2/25/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=AFGHAN/PENTAGON (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-286869

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The commander of U-S forces in Afghanistan says the victims of a controversial American raid last month made a deadly mistake when they opened fire on U-S troops. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: The Pentagon has not apologized for the botched raid north of Kandahar --- even though it has acknowledged the 16 Afghans killed were neither members of the Taleban nor al-Qaida.

General Tommy Franks, commander of U-S forces in Afghanistan, says the deaths were unfortunate.

But he says those killed were at fault for having opened fire on U-S troops who staged the surprise nighttime attack on a suspected weapons depot.

///FRANKS ACTUALITY///

The one mistake that I know was made was when people shot at American forces doing their job on the ground in Afghanistan.

///END ACTUALITY///

General Franks says U-S troops involved in the raid will not be disciplined.

In addition to those killed, U-S forces detained 27 Afghans. They were later released after it was determined they were not Taleban or al-Qaida.

Afghan sources have said those killed and captured were supporters of the country's new interim government, who were collecting weapons in a disarmament drive.

Families of the victims are reported to have been paid as much as one thousand dollars as compensation for the deaths. (Signed)

NEB/BEL