CIA death squads killing with "impunity" in Afghanistan

The investigator is Philip Alston, a New York University professor serving as the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Human Rights Council on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution. His report provides a partial glimpse into the illegal actions of intelligence agencies, occupying forces, and Afghan police, as they seek to repress opposition to the US-led occupation and US-backed government.

A more detailed final report will be released later this year.

Alston focused on civilian killings by US and other international military forces, citing 200 reported deaths in the first four months of 2008. This figure, however, was based on tabulations by the United Nations and other international organizations, and is undoubtedly a serious underestimation.

In addition to civilians killed in air raidsoften targeted indiscriminately at civilian dwellingsAlston reported on a number of raids for which no state or military command appears ready to acknowledge responsibility.

In a press conference on Thursday, Alston elaborated, saying, I have spoken with a large number of people in relation to the operation of foreign intelligence units. I dont want to name them but they are the most senior level of the relevant places. These forces operate with what appears to be impunity. The location of the incidents cited in the report indicate that the intelligence agencies in question include the CIA or US Special Operations Forces.

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