A U.S. commander in Afghanistan issued a rare apology last week for the March 4 killing of Afghan civilians by Marines and said that condolence payments of about $2,000 had been made to each of the victims’ families.
The apology stemmed from an incident after a mini-van laden with explosives crashed into a Marine convoy. Americans then fired on civilian cars and pedestrians as they sped away, killing 19 and wounding 50.
Killings of civilians have eroded local support for the U.S. effort in Afghanistan.
Col. John Nicholson, commander of the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, in eastern Afghanistan, issued the formal apology. Here is an excerpt of Nicholson’s statement:
“I stand before you today, deeply, deeply ashamed and terribly sorry that Americans have killed and wounded innocent Afghan people. We are filled with grief and sadness at the death of any Afghan, but the death and wounding of innocent Afghans at the hand of Americans is a stain on our honor and on the memory of the many Americans who have died defending Afghanistan and the Afghan people.
“This was a terrible, terrible mistake. And my nation grieves with you for your loss and suffering. We humbly and respectfully ask for your forgiveness.”
