Disciplinary Action Against 16 American Soldiers Related to the Kunduz Hospital Attack

U.S. government officials have told Reuters that disciplinary actions against 16 American soldiers in connection with the airstrike on the Doctors Without Borders hospital in Kunduz, northeastern Afghanistan, will be announced on Friday. According to these officials, who requested anonymity, the issue of disciplinary rather than criminal action arises as the results of investigations indicate that 'error' was the cause of this tragic incident. The report added that the new investigation results regarding the Kunduz hospital attack align with initial investigations. The bombing of the Doctors Without Borders hospital occurred last year during Afghan army operations in the city of Kunduz, which had fallen under the control of the Taliban. The U.S. military supported Afghan forces in this operation to drive the Taliban out of Kunduz. According to Reuters, the attack resulted in 42 deaths and 37 injuries. The U.S. military conducted investigations at that time. The commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan had previously stated that the attack occurred mistakenly, but emphasized, 'If mistakes were made (in this attack), we will acknowledge them, and all those responsible will be held accountable.' U.S. officials have told Reuters that the disciplinary actions against these 16 soldiers include reprimands or dismissal from service. Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders had previously expressed doubts about the results of the investigations conducted by the U.S.