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Central Command Report, November 17: Iraq Update

16 November 2005

United States to aid Iraqi investigation of abuse of Iraqi detainees by Iraqis

The U.S. military spokesman for the multinational forces in Iraq says the United States is providing its full support to an Iraqi government investigation of alleged abuse of detainees by Iraqi security forces.

Major General Rick Lynch told reporters in Baghdad, Iraq, November 17 that he expects the investigation to conclude in about one week.

The investigation will examine allegations that 169 Iraqi detainees -- who were held in a facility for which Iraqi security forces were responsible -- were mistreated and found to be malnourished.  The detainees since have been transferred from that facility and given medical treatment.

The United States strongly condemns the mistreatment of detainees anywhere, James Bullock, public affairs officer for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, told reporters. The governments of the United States and Iraq deplore abusive practices, which are contrary to the policy of the multinational forces in Iraq as well as the governments of both nations, he said.

Reading from a prepared statement, Bullock continued:  “Detainee abuse is not and will not be tolerated by either the Iraqi government or the Multi-National Forces in Iraq.”

He said the Iraqi government has provided assurances that it will take immediate action “to investigate the incident and to undertake measures to ensure that no Ministry of Interior detainees would be subject to abuse anywhere in Iraq.”

Bullock also said the Iraqi prime minister has agreed to a six-point plan to deal with all of the abuse allegations and “to institute means to provide accountability by the Iraqi Security Forces to ensure humane treatment of all detainees.”

“We have made clear to the Iraqi government,” he said, “that there must not be militia or sectarian control or direction of Iraqi security forces, facilities or ministries.”

Under the plan, Bullock said, the Iraqi government has the lead in the investigation and will prosecute and bring to justice those who may be found responsible for any abuse of detainees at any facility anywhere in Iraq.

The embassy spokesman said that the United States, through the U.S. Justice Department and the FBI, would assist the Iraqi government so that the investigation will be both fair and complete.

He said there is a serious commitment by both the Iraqis and the Americans to complete the inquiry and hold those responsible accountable.

Lynch said every allegation of abuse is investigated and appropriate action taken.

OPERATIONAL UPDATE

As part of his daily update, Lynch said the U.S. military continues to close or turn over forward operating bases to Iraqi security forces.  He said 28 facilities have been closed or transferred to Iraqi control.

Lynch was asked about reports that the U.S. military used white phosphorous munitions in Fallujah in 2004.  He said such weapons are considered to be conventional and not chemical weapons.  They are used primarily to create a smoke screen, as well as to illuminate and mark targets, he added.  (See related article.)

The U.S. military does not intentionally use any kind of munitions against innocent civilians, Lynch added.

For more information about U.S. policy, see Iraq Update.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)