'Friendly fire' likely for UK death in Afghanistan - report finds
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Aug 15, IRNA
UK-Afghanistan
The death of a British marine commando in Afghanistan last year was likely to have been caused by so-called friendly fire, a Board of Inquiry reported Friday.
It was almost certain that L/Cpl Matthew Ford was killed by a shot from another British gunner during an attack on a Taliban Taleban fort in Helmand on January 15, 2007, the military inquiry concluded.
The report attributed the actions to a "momentary error of judgment" and said there was "no suggestion of negligence" but also warned that training "must reflect operational reality" as well as the "most demanding scenarios."
At the time, the Ministry of Defence, reported that the commando company came under fire as soon as they disembarked from crossing a river to breach the fort and were engaged "in close quarter fighting" when the lance corporal was shot and killed instantly.
But the inquiry found that the soldiers had been engaged in a fighting environment that was "quite different for which they had trained."
Responding to the findings, Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth said the mission has seen "incredible acts of heroism, courage under fire and sacrifice."
"The conduct of the brigade involved was exemplary throughout its tour, typifying the professionalism, bravery and swiftness of action that defines our Armed Forces. But that does not mean that we should not learn lessons from the tragic loss," Ainsworth said.
The actual cause of Ford's death will be determined by a coroner at an inquest yet to be held. Previously, it was the only all- British 'friendly fire' incident in Afghanistan was last month when an attack on an army helicopter injured nine UK troops.
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