NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 |
April 29, 2003
Release Number: 03-04-207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PARATROOPERS FIRED UPON DURING PROTEST
IRAQ - Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division were fired upon last night by approximately 25 armed civilians mixed within an estimated crowd of 200 protesters outside a compound they were occupying in the city of Fallujah.
The paratroopers, who received fire from elements mixed within the crowd and positioned atop neighboring buildings, returned fire, wounding at least seven of the armed individuals.
Media reports have incorrectly reported that soldiers fired on the crowd without cause, and also reported numerous casualties were inflcted on innocent civilians, including women and children. This allegation cannot be confirmed by Coaltion forces, as the crowd retrieved the wounded and dispersed after the exchange. Given this fact, it is extremely unlikely that the Coalition will ever be able to confirm casualties, or determine the extent to which any unarmed civilians were injured or killed.
While the Coalition regrets any innocent casualties if they did occur, it also maintains the inherent right of right of self-defense for its forces when they are threatened by hostile forces.
Commanders on the ground are conducting an inquiry to determine facts surrounding the incident and meeting with local officials to determine how the risks in future situations can be mitigated.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
