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Just waiting on pins and needles
Posted by Raven on December 6th, 2006
SAN DIEGO (AP) - A congressman said Wednesday that about six Marines would be charged in the killing of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha.
Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colorado, did not know what the charges were but said they were serious.
Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, said the military would charge them in weeks, not days, but declined to be more specific about the timing.
The congressmen spoke after Lt. Gen. Richard Natonski gave a one-hour, closed-door briefing to the House Armed Services Committee on the military’s investigations and the next steps.
“I think all of us in there were struck by the incident, the number of civilians involved, and the extent of the tragedy,” said Udall. “There are some questions that still have to be answered, but it appeared the rules of engagement hadn’t been followed.”
The congressmen were asked not to speak publicly about the military’s findings, and Natonski declined to give details. The Marine Corps confirmed Tuesday that prosecutors are finalizing charges.
“I’m just updating Congress,” Natonski said. Asked about any criminal charges, he said, “We’re looking at it soon.”
