UK to investigate Iraqi boy killing
Regional-UK, Military, 6/8/2006

Reports that British troops killed a 13-year- old Iraqi boy after firing at an angry crowd are to be investigated, the Ministry of Defense in London has announced.

The investigation into the alleged death in an area just south of Amara in southeast Iraq was a "top priority," a spokesman said.

"We are aware of reports that a 13-year-old has been killed. We do not have any information to shed light on this matter and we are still investigating," the spokesman said.

The killing was linked to reports of more than 100 Iraqis allegedly throwing stones at part of Britain's Maysan battle group, who were said to have responded by firing baton rounds on Wednesday afternoon.

Two teenage boys -- a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old -- were hit during the clash, which the Ministry of Defense said it was aware of.

"The Maysan battle group put a cordon around an improvised explosive device in Maysan," the spokesman was quoted as saying by the BBC.

"The purpose of this cordon was to protect civilians while the suspicious device was being dealt with," he said.

"In order to protect themselves and to maintain the cordon, seven baton rounds were fired," he added.

Previous Stories:
  British Muslims claim being terrorized by police   (6/7/2006)
  Guantanamo prison closure would help war on terror: UK MP   (6/3/2006)
  Iraq war caused London bombs: Muslim leader   (6/2/2006)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search