Germany in Political Turmoil Over NATO Airstrike in Afghanistan

2 years ago

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Washington Reporter

A NATO airstrike in Afghanistan last week killed at least 100 people and sparked a flurry of outrage in Germany after it was reported that German military officials ordered the attack. German soldiers are normally restricted to peacekeeping duties. Their role in the deadly bombing shook their country's presidential campaign and prompted lawmakers to pressure Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung for an explanation. Aides to Chancellor Angela Merkel say she will address the German parliament on Tuesday.

"U.S. and NATO officials said the German decision to order the bombing was based on reports from a single Afghan informant and sketchy video surveillance, a possible violation of new NATO rules limiting the use of airstrikes," the Washington Post reported Tuesday. German prosecutors are considering opening a homicide investigation into the order, which sent a U.S. fighter jet to blow up two hijacked fuel trucks.

For details: In Germany, Political Turmoil Over Ordering of Airstrike [Washington Post]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Investigations, Foreign Policy, Afghanistan

Tagged: afghanistan, afghanistan war, AfghanistanWar, angela merkel, AngelaMerkel, breaking news, BreakingNews, Daily Guidance, DailyGuidance, germany, nato

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