Defence to investigate Afghan raid

11 Sep 2012, 3:04 pm   -   Source: AAP

Defence will conduct a detailed inquiry into a raid on an Afghan village in which two local civilians were killed.

The defence force will conduct a more detailed inquiry into a raid on an Afghan village in which two civilians were killed.

A "quick assessment" by defence officials concluded the dead were both insurgents and the operation was conducted in full accordance with procedures.

But Fairfax Media reported on Tuesday local residents of Sula claimed the two were innocent villagers.

They also said detainees were mistreated and money was stolen.

The operation was mounted in late August by Australian and Afghan troops searching for rogue Afghan soldier Hekmatullah, wanted for the murder of three Australians.

Defence force vice-chief Mark Binskin has received the preliminary assessment of what occurred.

"It says that this was a properly authorised partnered operation between Afghan and Australian forces," Defence Minister Stephen Smith told ABC Television.

"It was as a result of intelligence or evidence received with respect to people facilitating Hekmatullah's escape."

The quick assessment came to the conclusion the two deaths occurred in the accordance with Australian rules of engagement and that two dead men were insurgents.

However, defence force chief David Hurley and Air Marshal Binskin agree there should now be an investigation conducted by an inquiry officer.

The officer will also examine related allegations concerning the detention of a number of people during the raid and the treatment of bodies.

The outcome will be made public.

Mr Smith said on Tuesday he believed the starting point should be the ADF's well-regarded reputation for complying with sensible rules of engagement, taking proper care of detainees and taking great care to avoid involvement of civilians in operations.

Advice to him indicated no Australian personnel entered a mosque in the village and no military dogs were involved.

The two dead were identified as a 70-year-old cleric and his 20-year-old son but Mr Smith said the International Security Assistance Force put their ages at 50 and 30.

"So there are different versions of the facts," he said.

"But to make sure that we have a very clear understanding of all the facts it will be the subject of an inquiry officer's report."

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