Afghan interpreter blames U.S. commandos for killings, torture
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 July 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghan interpreter blames U.S. commandos for killings, torture, 16 July 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/520892ac12.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 16, 2013
An Afghan interpreter for U.S. Special Forces who has been arrested by Afghan authorities for killing and torturing Afghan civilians has denied the allegations against him.
Afghan authorities detained Zakeria Kandahari six weeks ago amid allegations he was involved in atrocities against civilians in the Nerkh district of Wardak Province, a strategically important area to the west of Kabul.
But, according to records being prepared by Afghan investigators, Kandahari claims he always acted on orders from the U.S. soldiers he worked with.
He also linked three U.S. commandoes to the killings of Afghan civilians in Wardak Province in February.
In the past, the Afghan government described Kandahari as an Afghan-American, although his exact background remains unclear.
The U.S. military says he is not a U.S. citizen.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
