Article

2015-10-12 Afghanistan

Doctors Without Borders Ignored Geneva Rules Before U.S. Air Attack

[Daily Caller] Doctors Without Borders flew no internationally-recognized medical insignia on the rooftop of its Kunduz, Afghanistan, hospital that was mistakenly attacked October 3 by U.S. military aircraft, according to a Daily Caller News Foundation investigation.

The relief group -- also known as Medecins Sans Frontiers -- failed to display a Red Cross, Red Crescent or Red Lion and Sun, the universally recognized medical emblems since 1949 that identify buildings that must be protected to attacking aircraft during wartime under Article 38 of the Geneva Accords.

"Doctors Without Borders marked the roof of the building in the week prior to the Oct. 3 airstrikes," said Tim Shenk, a DWB press officer. "The markings are hospital flags with the MSF logo."

The DWB hospital flag with the organization's logo is not among the internationally recognized emblems that warn attacking pilots to avoid the marked structure.

The DWB refused to produce any aerial photos of the building or describe the size of the purported flags.

An earlier aerial photo taken months before the attack shows a barren rooftop without any medical emblem or insignia.

Posted by Besoeker 2015-10-12 05:04|| || Front Page|| [11144 views ] Top

#1 Just for reference, here is what a MSF logo flag looks like: http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/131010175518-14-nobel-peace-horizontal-gallery.jpg

I went looking on Google for aerial view images of red "thingy" emblems on hospital roofs - and there is nary a one such image - although there are some images of US military tents with big red crosses.

If I worked in or near a hospital anywhere in the Middle East, I would make damn sure that it had a red SOMETHING on its roof. Failing to do so is basically equivalent to asking for a Darwin Award.

Posted by Lone Ranger 2015-10-12 06:03|| 2015-10-12 06:03|| Front Page Top

Defying established protocols, lack of brand recognition, and a windless day can lead to problems.

Posted by Besoeker 2015-10-12 06:10|| 2015-10-12 06:10|| Front Page Top

#3 plus that whole "letting the Taliban use their facilities as a base" thing

Posted by Frank G 2015-10-12 08:51|| 2015-10-12 08:51|| Front Page Top

#4 Actually they, probably, followed Geneva accords---because place used by belligerents not entitled.

Posted by g(r)omgoru 2015-10-12 11:06|| 2015-10-12 11:06|| Front Page Top

#5 Methinks the blaze of impassioned egos should have been marker enough.

Posted by Skidmark 2015-10-12 11:53|| 2015-10-12 11:53|| Front Page Top

#6 This whole thing smells fishy. DWB not following protocol, US military seems to be in full coverup mode...

Someone important to both sides really stepped on their dick I think.

Posted by DarthVader 2015-10-12 12:01|| 2015-10-12 12:01|| Front Page Top

#7 I mean, who could fail to recognize that flag on a bomb run ?

Posted by Besoeker 2015-10-12 12:38|| 2015-10-12 12:38|| Front Page Top

#8 They are filthy leftists and they cost lives.

Posted by newc 2015-10-12 14:09|| 2015-10-12 14:09|| Front Page Top

#9 Meh. Providing aid to unlawful combatants is a war crime. They're lucky not to be declared enemies of all mankind.

Posted by Rob Crawford 2015-10-12 14:29|| 2015-10-12 14:29|| Front Page Top

#10 I think they were helping the bad guys and got righteously blasted but when it comes to civilian casualties so the state department started pissing themselves.

Posted by rjschwarz 2015-10-12 15:01|| 2015-10-12 15:01|| Front Page Top

#11 a few things to consider before blaming MSF

1. up until a few weeks prior, the facility was in what was thought to be a safe govt held area

2. the facility may be in a leased or rented building where the MSF doesn't have the authority to place medical symbols on the roof

Posted by lord garth 2015-10-12 15:01|| 2015-10-12 15:01|| Front Page Top

#12 If it was my ass there would be a giant red cross on the roof.

Posted by Sven the pelter 2015-10-12 15:46|| 2015-10-12 15:46|| Front Page Top

#13 I'd forfeit my deposit.

Posted by Sven the pelter 2015-10-12 15:47|| 2015-10-12 15:47|| Front Page Top

#14 Why do I get the felling the Taliban didn't pay a damage deposit when they took up residence?

Posted by CrazyFool 2015-10-12 15:56|| 2015-10-12 15:56|| Front Page Top

#15 everyone dropped the ball on this, but more-so MSF.

Posted by newc 2015-10-12 23:05|| 2015-10-12 23:05|| Front Page Top

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