In Afghan Killings, a Nagging 'What If'

Afghan base learned solider had left, but search party was too late
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 13, 2012 10:20 AM CDT
In Afghan Killings, a Nagging 'What If'
US soldiers keep watch at the entrance of a military base near Alkozai village following the shooting of Afghan civilians allegedly committed by a rogue US soldier in Panjwayi district, Kandahar.   (Getty Images)

As more details emerge in Sunday's slaughter of 16 Afghan civilians, the Wall Street Journal reports on an unfortunate "what if." It turns out that the small base where the accused Army staff sergeant was stationed was aware he left around 3am, thanks to an Afghan soldier who spotted him walking out and alerted post commanders. A search party was even being launched just as news of the murders reached the base. Had that search been successful, the murders could have been averted, posits the Journal. Click for more on the suspected shooter, who had reportedly suffered a traumatic brain injury on a previous tour of duty. (More Afghanistan stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X