NATO: U.S. soldier killed BBC reporter in Afghanistan

NATO: U.S. soldier killed BBC reporter in Afghanistan

2011-09-09 04:49:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL (BNO NEWS) -- The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) on Thursday admitted it mistakenly killed BBC reporter Ahmad Omid Khpalwak in central Afghanistan in July.

"After a thorough investigation it was determined the reporter was killed in a case of mistaken identity," ISAF said in a statement. "Mr. Khpalwak was shot by an ISAF member who believed he was an insurgent that posed a threat and was about to detonate a suicide vest improvised explosive device (IED)."

Khpalwak was killed when troops responded to an insurgent attack on the offices of Radio Television Afghanistan in the town of Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan province on July 28. The 25-year-old, who also worked for the Pajhwok Afghan news agency, was one of 19 people killed.

The Taliban admitted carrying out the attacks, which included three suicide bombings, but denied killing the reporter and blamed pro-government forces. NATO launched an inquiry following the incident.

According to the report released by ISAF, the soldiers were attempting to clear the building after two suicide bombers had detonated devices when they noticed a man "with something clinched in one of his fists and reaching for something on his person with his other hand." The BBC's David Loyn said Khpalwak had taken refuge in a bathroom and what he was holding up may have been his press card.

According to the BBC, Khpalwak reportedly sent his brother two text messages at the time. The first read: "I am hiding. Death has come." In the second, he wrote: "Pray for me if I die."

ISAF expressed condolences to the late journalist's family, but said that the soldiers "complied with the laws of armed conflict and rules of engagement and acted reasonably under the circumstances." Meanwhile, the BBC recognized that ISAF had provided clarification, but it said it would study the details of the findings on receiving the full report.

Director of BBC Global News Peter Horrocks said: "Ahmed Omed's death further highlights the great dangers facing journalists who put their lives on the line to provide vital news from around the world. It is essential that journalists are given the best possible protection whilst reporting in dangerous situations so that the world can hear their stories."

Earlier this year, Media Watch said that there were 58 incidents of violence against journalists reported in Afghanistan in 2010.

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