ICC approves probe into U.S. personnel for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, as well as looking into possible crimes by Taliban militants and Afghan government forces.
The decision by the Hague-based court overturns a ruling by a lower chamber last year that blocked the investigation concluding, among other reasons, that its chances of success and of prosecution were “extremely limited.”
The ruling by the lower chamber last April came after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the U.S.seeking to investigate Americans in Afghanistan or elsewhere. "We are determined to protect the American and allied military and civilian personnel from living in fear of unjust prosecution for actions taken to defend our great nation," Pompeo said last March, announcing the decision.
The office of lead prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has said it has determined that there is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes were committed by members of the United States armed forces in Afghanistan and by members of the Central Intelligence Agency in secret detention facilities in Afghanistan and in other countries, particularly between the period 2003-2004.
It has also determined that there is a reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed by the Taliban and their Haqqani network and that war crimes were committed by the Afghan National Security Forces.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
ICC appeals judges to rule on Afghan war crimes investigationInternational Criminal Court appeals judges will on Thursday rule whether the IC...
Read more »
U.S. Launches 'Defensive Strike' At Taliban As Fragile Afghan Peace Deal TeetersThe strike followed President Trump's call with the Taliban, during which he says they agreed 'we don't want violence.' Still, the group has led a wave of attacks since signing the landmark deal.
Read more »
Taliban resumes attacks on Afghan forces, five policemen dieIn the last 24 hours the Taliban conducted 33 attacks in 16 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said.
Read more »
US conducted airstrike on Taliban fighters following attack on Afghan checkpointThe US conducted an airstrike Wednesday against Taliban fighters in Afghanistan who are accused of attacking an Afghan National Defense and Security Forces checkpoint. It comes hours after a call between President Trump and the Taliban's chief negotiator
Read more »
U.S. Forces Strike Taliban in Response to Attacks on Afghan TroopsThe U.S. military in Afghanistan carried out an airstrike against Taliban militants, the first since the Trump administration signed a deal with the militant group aimed at extricating America from 18 years of war.
Read more »
ICC appeals judges to rule on Afghan war crimes investigationInternational Criminal Court appeals judges will on Thursday rule whether the IC...
Read more »