Kabul strike: US offers to pay relatives of victims

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States has offered financial compensation to the relatives of 10 individuals mistakenly killed in an American drone strike in Kabul in August.

Coming soon after an attack on the Kabul airport, the drone strike killed an aid worker and nine members of his family, including seven children.

A statement from the Pentagon said on Friday it was also working with the State Department to help surviving members of the family relocate to the US.

The Associated Press reported the issue came up for discussion in a meeting between Dr. Colin Kahl, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Dr. Steven Kwon, president of the nonprofit group Nutrition & Education International.

“Dr. Kahl reiterated Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s commitment to the families, including offering ex gratia condolence payments,” Kirby said, without specifying the money..

Following investigations, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, called the strike a “tragic mistake” and acknowledged the killing of innocent civilians.

PAN Monitor/mud

Visits: 142