Jordanian soldier on trial for killing US troops thought comrades were under attack
A Jordanian soldier charged with killing three US soldiers has told a military court that he opened fire because he thought his comrades had come under attack, not because of resentment towards Americans.
First Sgt Marik Al Tuwayha took the stand in his murder trial on Tuesday, speaking from a cage in the court.
Sgt Al Tuwayha has pleaded not guilty to murder charges over the shooting in November of the US Special Forces trainers who came under fire at Al Jafr air base in southern Jordan.
The judge has said the defendant has no apparent ties to terrorist groups.
Jordanian officials initially suggested the US soldiers sparked the shooting by disobeying the orders of Jordanian troops guarding the base’s gate. They withdrew the claim.
The victims were: Staff Sgt Matthew Lewellen, 27, of Missouri; Staff Sgt Kevin McEnroe, 30, of Arizona; and Staff Sgt James Moriarty, 27, of Texas.
Sgt Al Tuwayha said he heard a pistol shot coming from the direction of a US convoy. He said he could not determine the exact source because he could not see from inside the guard house.
He said he opened fire because he feared that his colleagues were coming under attack.
Sgt Al Tuwayha emerged from the guard house and continued shooting, security camera foot- age of the incident showed.
A total of 78 bullets were fired from the M-16 rifles and 19 bullets were fired from pistols used by US troops.
The military court prosecutor said Sgt Al Tuwayha fired 63 bullets. If convicted, Sgt Al Tuwayha faces life in prison.