FIVE MISSTEPS IN AFGHAN HOSPITAL ATTACK

1 HUMAN ERROR

American soldiers and airmen who killed and wounded dozens of civilians in a strike on an Afghanistan hospital violated U.S. rules of engagement and have been suspended as they await disciplinary action. A military investigative report said the Oct. 3 attack in the city of Kunduz killed at least 31 civilians and injured 28 others. “This was a tragic but avoidable accident caused primarily by human error,” said Gen. John Campbell, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan.

2 NO HOSTILES

The crew of an AC-130 gunship had been dispatched to hit a Taliban command centre in a different building, 450 metres away. Hampered by problems with their targeting sensors, the crew relied on a physical description that led them to begin firing at a hospital run by the Doctors Without Borders, even though they saw no hostile activity.

3 HALF-HOUR ATTACK

The plane fired 211 shells at the compound over 29 minutes before commanders realized the mistake and ordered a halt. People fleeing the main building were cut down by gunfire that appeared to track their movements, while a patient trying to escape in a wheelchair was killed by shrapnel.

4 SITE NOT LABELLED

Maps used by the U.S. Special Forces commander did not label the hospital compound as being a medical facility.

5 DISPROPORTIONATE

Asked whether the scale of the air attack — even if it had hit the correct target — was justified under the U.S. rules of engagement and international laws governing armed conflict, the actions taken by the U.S. aircrew were “not appropriate,” said Brig. Gen. Wilson Shoffner.