#1 Iraqis are frequently seen celebrating at IED murder sites. The one that sparked a limited military action at Haditha, was planted in broad daylight. Locals chose not to report same. US troops took small arms fire after the explosion and made a path along the presumed trajectory. Buildings were entered and non-compliants were killed. Circumstances dictated the hair-trigger approach. The leader of the responding unit reported that 8 enemy combatants were killed in the engagement; that was false.
Were US troops expected to take the loss without a response? I condone all but the false report. |