HRW urges US to probe ‘human remains’ of 18 Afghans
Human Rights Watch has called on the US government to investigate thoroughly and impartially the deaths of 18 people allegedly killed by American forces in Afghanistan. ● “The Nerkh incidents should be investigated rigorously, impartially, and transparently,” Andrea Prasow, senior counterterrorism counsel and advocate at Human Rights Watch, said on Wednesday. “While it is clear that crimes occurred, US authorities need to establish what exactly happened and who is responsible,” Prasow added. Rolling Stone magazine earlier on Wednesday reported that US forces were implicated in the killings in Nerkh district, Wardak province in late 2012 and early 2013. In November 2012, many local residents claimed they were connected to operations by a new US Special Forces unit in the district, known as ODA 3124. In February, the body of a man named Nasratullah was found in Nerkh with his throat slit. His family said that US forces had earlier arrested him.