Centcom Commander Mattis: Report On Deaths of Pakistani Soldiers Due Dec. 23

Posted Nov 28, 2011 by Howard Altman

Updated Nov 28, 2011 at 10:00 PM

A short while after I posted my last item, about the Centcom ribbon-cutting, more specific numbers on the looming job cuts and Gen. Mattis appointing someone to lead an investigation into an incident that lead to more than two dozen Pakistani soldiers killed, apparently by NATO forces, over the weekend, Centcom sent out a press release with more details about the investigation.

I got it while in the gym doing my PT, but then there was dinner and work on a Pearl Harbor Day story.

So here’s the release. A little tardy, but the crux of the news was broken here hours ago.

The commander of U.S. Central Command, Gen. James N. Mattis, has directed an investigation into the incident near the Salala Checkpoint, Khas Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in the vicinity of the Pakistan border on Nov. 25, which inflicted casualties on Pakistan military personnel.

General Mattis has appointed Brig. Gen. Stephen Clark from Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla., as the Investigating Officer. The inquiry will be CENTCOM-led with the support, cooperation and involvement of a NATO element on the investigation team.

Additionally, the investigation team has been directed to include input and participation from the International Security Assistance Force. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Government of Pakistan will be invited to participate. It is USCENTCOM’s intent to include these government representatives to the maximum extent possible to determine what happened and preclude it from happening again.

The investigation team will focus their efforts on the facts of the incident and any matters that facilitate a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries of the Pakistan forces.

General Mattis has directed the investigating officer to provide an initial report by December 23, 2011.