Iraq abuse case: British military disgrace

(SOURCE: News of the World, 12 February 2006)

News of the World released a horrifying video exposing a rogue squad of British soldiers who savagely attacked a defenceless bunch of Iraqi teenagers in 2004.

DRAGGING four weedy rioters—all apparently in their early teens—off the street and behind the high walls of a secluded army compound.

BEATING them senseless with vicious blows from batons, boots and fists.

IGNORING their pitiful pleas for mercy, until the incident climaxes with what appears to be an NCO delivering a sickening full-force kick in the genitals of a cringeing lad pinned to the ground.

All the while the callous cameraman delivers a stomach-churning commentary urging his mates on, cackling with laughter and screaming: "Oh yes! Oh yes! You’re gonna get it. Yes, naughty little boys! You little f***ers, you little f***ers. DIE! Ha, ha!"

Iraq’s National Security Adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie said any abuse was "not acceptable", adding "we demand an immediate and rapid investigation".

British Prime Minister Tony Blair promised a full investigation will be launched to probe the case, albeit trying to protect the image of British troops in Iraq.

"We take seriously any allegations of mistreatment, and this will be investigated very fully indeed."

"But I have to say to you that the overwhelming majority of British troops in Iraq, as elsewhere, behave properly and are doing a great job. They are helping Iraqis to become the democracy they would like to be."

Abusing Iraqis: How much is enough?