Marines Investigated For Burning Iraqi Corpses
Several Marines are under investigation for burning the corpses of Iraqi insurgents. The investigation was sparked by a group of photos posted on an entertainment news website. The photos show American soldiers posing with corpses, flammable materials, and charred remains.
Although there are a total of 41 photos, many remain unpublished as they were specifically gruesome. According to TMZ, the soldiers displayed more than 12 different Iraqi corpses in multiple states of decay. Two of the photos were taken while the Iraqis were still on fire.
It is unclear where the photos originated. However, they were reportedly taken in 2004 in Fallujah. TMZ eventually gave the photos to Pentagon officials for further investigation.
Representatives with US Central Command said they were unaware that the Marines had burned or otherwise abused Iraqi corpses but they will conduct a full investigation.
Colonel Steve Warren, with the Department of Defense, said the Marines may have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The code specifically prohibits the mishandling and abuse of human remains.
Additionally, the soldiers may have violated the US Central Command’s General Order Number One. As reported by ABC News, the order includes specific behavioral guidelines for American soldiers serving in the Middle East.
As the crimes have no statute of limitations, the soldiers could face time in prison.
Marine spokesman Captain Tyler Balzer said the investigation will include authenticating the photos, identifying of the soldiers, and determining what prompted the behavior.
Colonel Warren said the Marines may have burned the Iraqi corpses “for hygienic purposes,” which is permitted in rare circumstances. However, without more information is impossible to know what prompted the behavior.
In 2012, several Marines were accused of abusing corpses in Afghanistan. The evidence included a video of the soldiers urinating on the remains of Taliban militants. Three of the soldiers were eventually identified and plead guilty to abusing the bodies.
The inquiry into the Marines who apparently burned Iraqi corpses could take a while. However, military officials are committed to a thorough investigation.
[Image via Flickr]
