Critical Perspective on Developments in National Security, Intelligence, and Technology
Journalists rushed to their computers and cameras to report the deaths of innocent construction workers in Afghanistan. However, they’re not quite as eager to report the fact that the story might not be accurate:
An air strike earlier this week in eastern Afghanistan was based on credible intelligence from multiple sources and by all indications struck its intended targets, the Pentagon’s press secretary told reporters today.
NATO International Security Assistance Force troops used precision-guided munitions in the late Nov. 26 air strike in the mountainous Nuristan province, killing several insurgents, Geoff Morrell said during a Pentagon briefing. Abdullah Jan, the western Nuristan Taliban commander, is believed to be among those killed.
Morrell dismissed press reports that the attack had mistakenly killed civilian construction workers. He noted that the closest known construction site was a kilometer away from the target area and that no structures, vehicles or other construction equipment were anywhere near the impact area.
Sadly, even the VOA ran this headline: Afghan Construction Workers Killed in NATO Air Strike.
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