makingmusic476 said:
Only one person had a camera. In the video it was clearly mentioned that 5-6 individuals had AKs and at least one inidividual had an RPG, and you could make out quite a few of the weapons despite the blurry feed. And as hobbit said, the reason the Apache was called in in the first place is because US troops were fired upon. OT: I have little issue with the initial engagement, but I could only think "wtf??" when they fired upon the van, despite all dangerous subjects having already been incapacitated. I have to wonder why the journalists thought it was a good idea to run around with that crowd, though. |
I agree, the second firing I have a much bigger issue with than the initial engagement (I do think the comments were innappropriate as well but thats less actionable).
The only caveat is that it's not always so clear cut, the folks in the van could be there trying to help a high-value target (HVT) escape or they could just be there trying to rescue their terrorist buddies. Both of those scenarios mean they might fire on the incoming US troops that were to arrive shortly (and whose arrival would preclude the apache from assisting - firing while they're in the area is troublesome due to accuracy restrictions). On the other hand yes they could have been well-meaning civilians simply trying to help, and in hindsight given the children, that's probably what they were (I like to give the benefit of the doubt until shown false). But that's hindsight.
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| To Each Man, Responsibility |
