The protection ministry argued that structures had been being utilized by Taliban combatants when the army hit the walled compound, referred to as a “quala,” with munitions fired from assault helicopters and F-16s. The Dutch had been section the U.S.-led coalition combating in Afghanistan on the time.
Alternatively, some 12 hours had handed from the remaining time the Taliban used the site as a firing place when the bombing came about, and judges concluded that the army didn’t have sufficient data to designate the compound as an army goal.
An estimated 250 Afghans, together with between 50 and 80 civilians, had been killed all through the 3 days of combating which changed into referred to as the Fight of Chora. Within the days main as much as the struggle, Taliban combatants had captured quite a few police outposts and had been advancing on a Dutch army facility.
It’s the first time the Dutch state has been held accountable for army motion in Afghanistan and the primary time a court docket has thought to be state accountability in an aerial bombardment. The gang’s legal professional, Liesbeth Zegveld, mentioned she used to be proud of the result. “I consider it’s the suitable choice, however the stakes had been prime.” She hopes the army will likely be extra diligent in long term missions.
A spokesperson for the protection ministry mentioned they might imagine the ruling. They have got 3 months to report an attraction. The precise quantity of repayment will likely be made up our minds at a later listening to.