LONDON - Human rights group Amnesty International
on Tuesday called for an inquiry into reports that hundreds of
Afghan fighters have been killed in clashes since the weekend
in northern Afghanistan.
The London-based organization urged the anti-Taliban
Northern Alliance, the United States and Britain to investigate
the clashes within the Qala-i-Jhangi, a fort on the outskirts
of Mazar-i-Sharif.
After negotiating a surrender, hundreds of foreign troops
fighting with the Taliban were escorted from the town of Kunduz
to the fort by the Northern Alliance last weekend.
The circumstances surrounding the fighting that followed
were still not clear, although some prisoners are reported to
have overpowered guards and seized firearms, according to
Amnesty.
British and U.S. special forces were reported to have been
involved in the fighting, including by directing U.S. air
strikes, an Amnesty statement said.
It said an urgent inquiry should look into what triggered
the violent incident, including any shortcomings in the holding
and processing of prisoners, and into the response by Northern
Alliance, U.S. and British forces.
``It should make urgent recommendations to ensure that other
instances of surrender and holding of prisoners do not lead to
similar disorders and loss of life,'' Amnesty said.
It should also ensure that the key role of the
International Committee of the Red Cross in overseeing the
processing and treatment of prisoners is facilitated.
``The outcome of this inquiry, and any disciplinary or other
measures that may be taken against anyone found responsible for
wrongdoing, should be made public,'' the statement concluded.
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