A look at NATO rules of engagement in Afghanistan
By APWednesday, February 17, 2010
A look at NATO combat rules in Afghanistan
The basics on NATO rules of engagement for combat in Afghanistan:
THE RULES: Under new guidelines, NATO troops are not allowed to fire at the enemy without making a “positive identification” and seeing evidence “of hostile intent.” In practice, that means they can’t shoot if they don’t see the enemy physically carrying a gun or they personally see him drop one.
Some troops say it handicaps their ability to fight because an insurgent firing from inside a house could then lay down his weapon and walk out unarmed without being shot at.
WHY THEY WERE CHANGED: It was public outrage in Afghanistan over civilian deaths that prompted the top NATO commander, U.S. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, last year to tighten the rules, including curbs on the use of airstrikes and other weaponry if civilians are at risk.
BACKGROUND: Afghan civilian deaths soared to 2,412 civilians last year — the highest number in any year of the 8-year-old war, according to a U.N. report. But the deaths attributed to allied troops dropped nearly 30 percent as a result of McChrystal’s new rules, according to the report.
