U.S. Central Command is investigating a video that shows what appears to be a U.S. service member allegedly firing at the driver of a civilian truck in Afghanistan. The video is making its way around the military community, and there are many unknowns about the details and circumstances.
“The amateur video posted on a public website gives us serious concern,” Col. John Thomas, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, told CNN. “We are conducting an investigation into this video, and will take appropriate actions as a result of this investigation.”
“I can assure you that this video does not represent the professionalism or humanity of the men and women of U.S. Central Command. We reject the unprofessional and callous message this video conveys,” CENTCOM Commander Gen. Joseph Votel said in a statement.
The video of the incident surfaced online, appearing in a compilation of combat footage allegedly recorded by U.S. service members fighting the ISIS offshoot of terrorists in Afghanistan.
The original video, which has since been removed from YouTube, had the title: “Happy Few Ordnance Symphony,” Politico reported.
“I have reviewed the video and I am disappointed and also concerned that the American people, our Coalition partners, the Afghan government, and the Afghan people will believe that American service members are callous and indifferent to the horrors of war or the suffering of innocent people trapped in conflict,” Votel said.
The video could not be independently verified. It is unknown if the person who fired the shotgun was a U.S. service member or if the firing was authorized by the rules of engagement.
