WASHINGTON (voa) – U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says Canadian observers will take part in the military investigation of a U.S. warplane bombing that killed four Canadian troops.
Mr. Rumsfeld expressed renewed regret and sadness over the incident and said the investigation will start shortly and could take up to two months. Mr. Rumsfeld said Canadian officials will also carry out a separate investigation of the accident.
On April 17th a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet dropped a laser-guided 225-kilo bomb near Kandahar in southern Afghanistan, killing four Canadians and injuring eight others. The Canadians were conducting a live-fire exercise at a training range, gunfire U.S. defense officials have said the pilot mistakenly thought was aimed at him.
Both President Bush and Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien have expressed deep regret about the incident, but the Canadian public has clamored for answers.
Earlier, a statement issued by the U.S. Central Command said investigators will have access to all the physical evidence, including aircraft video and audio recordings, in trying to determine the cause of the bombing. The statement also says the investigation will make an assessment as to any fault or neglect and make recommendations concerning corrective measures and disciplinary actions.
Canadian troops are in Afghanistan to support the U.S.-led war against terrorism.
