Summary
Two US marines are implicated in a deadly incident during the Iraq war known as the Haditha massacre, where 24 Iraqi civilians were killed. Recent investigations reveal new evidence pointing to the involvement of these marines, raising questions about the initial American investigation and accountability for the actions of US armed forces.
Key Facts
- The Haditha massacre occurred on November 19, 2005, when US marines killed 24 Iraqi civilians.
- Safa Younes, aged 13 at the time, survived by pretending to be dead.
- An investigation by BBC Eye found evidence implicating two marines who were not previously tried.
- The incident led to the longest US war crimes investigation of the Iraq war.
- Four marines were initially charged, but three had their charges dropped, leaving only Staff Sergeant Frank Wuterich to face trial.
- Lance Corporal Humberto Mendoza admitted in a pre-trial video to shooting Safa's unarmed father.
- Forensic expert Michael Maloney examined evidence suggesting two marines entered the room where Safa's family was shot.
