American blunder on the MSF hospital in Kunduz?
(B2) The Doctors Without Borders hospital in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan was “ struck several times during sustained bombardment and was very badly damaged “denounces the humanitarian organization. According MSF, twelve staff members and at least seven patients, including three children, died. 37 people were injured, including 19 staff members (*). This MSF trauma center - which is the only facility of its kind in the region - is notably provided by MSF Belgium.
« When the airstrike took place this morning, we had 105 patients and carers in the hospital and more than 80 international and national MSF medical staff. We do not yet have the definitive figures of victims. But our medical team provides first aid and we identify the deceased explains Bart Janssens, director of operations at MSF Belgium. " We are deeply shocked by this attack, the killing of our staff and patients ". And to call all parties to respect the safety of facilities and healthcare personnel ».
Americans recognize a mistake at their fingertips
This bombardment would be due to an error of the American strikes. The US forces have, in fact, carried out an air attack " in the city of Kunduz at 02:15 (local), against individuals who threaten the force. This strike may have resulted in collateral damage to a nearby medical facility recognizes Colonel Brian Tribus, spokesman for US forces in the region. " The incident is under investigation »
Several series of bombardments
The scenario of the strikes as reported by MSF, however, casts serious doubt on this first version. And it looks like more than just collateral damage. “From 02:08 a.m. until 03:15 a.m. local time, the MSF trauma hospital in Kunduz was hit by a series of aerial bombardments at approximately 15-minute intervals. The hospital's central building, housing the intensive care unit, emergency rooms, and physiotherapy, was repeatedly hit with pinpoint accuracy during each aerial incursion, while surrounding buildings were left almost intact. »
The coalition behind the bombings for MSF
For MSF, there is no doubt that the coalition is behind the bombardments. “All indications now point to the bombardment being carried out by international coalition forces. » Aggravating fact: The bombardment took place while MSF had provided the GPS coordinates of the trauma hospital to the Coalition and to Afghan military and civilian officials, including very recently on Tuesday September 29, precisely to prevent the hospital from being hit. (...) We will not accept that the dozens of victims of this bombardment are simply considered "collateral damage". »
MSF calls for an investigation
“MSF demands full accountability from the coalition for its aerial bombardment activities over Kunduz on Saturday morning. MSF also calls for an independent investigation to be carried out so that the responsibilities for this attack are clearly established. (...) We demand the most complete transparency from the forces of the coalition. »
Since fighting broke out last Monday, the MSF hospital has treated 394 wounded.
(NGV)
(*) A first assessment reported 3 dead and 30 people without news. Balance sheet revised upwards in the morning.
