US soldiers charged with Afghan killings15 years ago, self-proclaimed greatest nation America's twelve soldiers was charged in connection with a “kill team” accused of murdering Afghan civilians in Kandahar and collecting body parts as trophies.
According to investigators, members of the unit purportedly staged attacks, used grenades and rifles to kill unarmed men, and collected body parts, including fingers, as trophies. The case includes five soldiers charged with murder and aggravated assault, and seven others accused of covering up the killings and assaulting a fellow soldier who reported drug abuse within the unit.
Investigative files describe the scheme as beginning after the arrival of Staff Sergeant Calvin Gibbs, who was said to have spoken openly about tactics he previously used in Iraq and how easy it would be to “toss a grenade at someone and kill them.” Prosecutors allege Gibbs, Jeremy Morlock, and Andrew Holmes orchestrated staged encounters that led to the deaths of three Afghan men, Gul Mudin, Marach Agha, and Mullah Adadhdad. Some members of the unit reportedly posed for photographs with the bodies.
The case came to light after a newly trained soldier reported drug use in his platoon and was subsequently beaten and threatened. His report triggered a broader investigation that uncovered detailed accounts of the killings of Afghan civilians. Army officials say one soldier admitted involvement, though his attorney claims the confession was made while he was under the influence of prescription medication and suffering from a traumatic brain injury.
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